Governor’s “friend” now a candidate for vice president of the United States

Tim Walz and Lou Leon Guerrero both were first elected governor of Wisconsin and Guam, respectively, in 2018.  They both are Democrats. They both support progressive issues. Both are vehemently opposed to regulation on abortion access. Both believe healthcare is a right, and that universal coverage must be extended.

“I am excited for my friend and fellow Democratic Governor, Tim Walz, who will be an extraordinary vice president,” the Guam governor said in reaction to news that Vice President and Democratic Party nominee for president Kamala Harris chose Mr. Walz to be her running mate. The duo appeared together at a Harris-Walz rally in Philadelphia Tuesday, when Ms. Harris made the announcement official. National news outlets in the 18 hours prior to that rally had broken the news of the selection based on information provided by several sources inside the campaign.

“As a former public school teacher and veteran, he relates to everyday people,” Ms. Leon Guerrero said of her friend. “He has championed policies for working families as a governor and former congressman. I am proud to support him as our vice presidential nominee and look forward to working with him again in his soon-to-be new role!”

Having friends in high places has been beneficial to Guam and the CNMI in the past. Former Governor Carl Gutierrez ingratiated himself with the Clintons by raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for Bill Clinton’s 1996 reelection campaign. The pair enjoyed a friendship through the Clinton era, and several federal problems for Guam were resolved during Gutierrez’s second term.

It is difficult to gauge how successful Mr. Gutierrez’s acquaintance with former Texas Governor George Bush was when Mr. Bush became president in 2001. Nine months into his presidency the country and the world were stunned and arrested by the 9-11 attacks, which reset global politics. Gutierrez left office in January 2003.

In 2016, then-CNMI Governor Ralph Torres became the first sitting governor to endorse Donald Trump for president. This was at a time when members of Congress and officials from the Republican National Committee had been criticizing Trump’s candidacy (with some even laughing publicly about the notion). Mr. Trump said he would never forget the move by his “friend” Mr. Torres. That friendship during the Trump administration led to Mr. Torres’ direct access to the White House (which was much more than Guam’s Eddie Calvo or Lou Leon Guerrero could get), 902 talks, the quick drawdown of FEMA funds following Yutu despite suspicions of abuse and accounting irregularities

If Walz is elected and has any say in the would-be Harris administration, Ms. Leon Guerrero’s agreement on many progressive issues could translate into solutions for universal health coverage (an issue former Republican Governor Eddie Calvo botched during the sign up period for the Affordable Care Act, or ObamaCare), unemployment insurance, school resources, hospital funding, immigration support, and more.

Democratic nominee for Guam’s delegate seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, Ginger Cruz also believes Guam will benefit from a Harris-Walz victory. Reacting to the news, Ms. Cruz said:

“I watched the speeches [Thursday] morning and was impressed with the joy and confidence that both Harris and Walz bring to the race. Their common sense policy approach, great dynamic and defense of core Democratic ideals will appeal to many Americans and is already boosting Democrats chances to take back the House of Representatives.

“What is important for me is that I see in the team a respect for all Americans and a genuine commitment to raise everyone up – Guam will find friends in a Harris Walz Administration.”

The Democratic Party of Guam did not provide Kandit with any reaction to the Walz selection, though the party has previously announced its unanimous support for Ms. Harris to be the nominee. In fact, the Guam party was among the first in the nation to make the endorsement following President Biden’s withdrawal from the race.

CNMI Governor Arnold Palacios, who is an independent who runs a coalition government with Democrats, has not replied to Kandit’s request for his reaction to the Walz nomination. Mr. Palacios also attends National Governors Association meetings, where Mr. Walz participates, as well as Ms. Leon Guerrero.

The CNMI Democratic Party released a statement Wednesday:

“The Democratic Party of the Northern Mariana Islands would like to congratulate Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz, as the VP nominee to lead this country. We believe he is an outstanding choice for Vice President because not long before he was a two term Governor, he represented his home state in US Congress for six terms. Prior to that he served in the military for 24 years, was an educator for 20 years, so he is truly a public servant. Harris and Walz have received tremendous support from all races and walks of life, including republican gun owners, and labor unions because their message resonates with future generations. They are restoring hope, and fighting for all of us which is a winning agenda. What a special time to be alive, and we are honored to participate. To belong to a team that has the country motivated, and ready to get the job done in November.

“Vice Chair Luella Marciano said ‘as a former educator I can appreciate the fact that he understands our hardships and has a vision for the future. Working to make sure our children are fed but also to protect them from gun violence. He leads the fight for veterans, middle class families, and farmers which is also a bonus for me. I love what I see – everyone is fired up, and so it’s all uphill from here!’ NMI US Delegate candidate Ed Propst shared similar comments ‘Governor Tim Walz is an excellent pick for Vice President. He was reelected as Governor of Minnesota for a reason. He’s a veteran, and comes from the heartland of America, born in Nebraska. He brings a lot of energy, enthusiasm and has done a great job as Governor of Minnesota.’

“’With his solid background, being a schoolteacher, a coach, a military veteran, being a congressman, and a current governor, being chosen to be Vice President Harris’ running mate certainly solidifies the Democrats presidential ticket. It gives me a great sense of pride and encouragement’ said Precinct 3 Representative, Denita Yangetmai.

“Democratic Party National Committeewoman Tina Sablan stated ‘I’m beyond thrilled by our future President Kamala Harris’ choice for her running mate. Governor Tim Walz has done great things for Minnesota – for workers, children, families, LGBTQ + rights, veterans, clean energy, the climate, and more. I had the opportunity to meet Gov Walz years ago, when he was a Congressman leading the Veteran’s Affairs Committee in the House. I was impressed then by his energy, intelligence, and sincerity. He really cared about the people of the Marianas, and supported Congressman Kilili’s membership in the VA Committee, and his work on behalf of the veterans and military families in our district. Governor Walz will be a terrific Vice President to President Harris. I’m incredibly proud to stand behind this phenomenal ticket. Biba Harris Walz!’”