Magofna supports impeachment; Vaiagae fails to respond


“Based on all evidence and testimonies we have seen and heard thus far, I am 100% in full support of an impeachment as soon as possible! Our people have suffered far too long.” – Corina Magofna

The special election to fill the CNMI House of Representatives Precinct 3 seat vacated, when the late Congressman Ivan Blanco passed away this year, can mean the difference between the impeachment of Gov. Ralph Torres or his escape from accountability.

A House investigation into allegations of corruption and widespread abuse of public funds and authority is the dominating issue in the Commonwealth, and already has produced evidence of crimes that far exceed the allegations made against former Gov. Benigno Fitial. Mr. Fitial was impeached in 2013 by the House, but resigned before the Senate trial commenced toward his removal from office.

According to the CNMI Constitution, two thirds the members of the House are required to impeach – or in other words, indict or bring charges against – the governor. There are 20 seats in the House: nine of whom caucus as democrats, nine as republicans, and independent Speaker Edmund Villagomez, who voted with the Democrats in the assignment of committee positions.

The election contest between republican Grace “Pitu” Vaiagae and democrat Corina Magofna to fill Mr. Blanco’s seat not only may affect the majority composition in the House, but likely will decide Mr. Torres’s political future.

The stakes are high. Ms. Vaiagae early on aligned herself with the governor. Ms. Magofna has campaigned on a platform of good governance.

Kandit asked both candidates two key questions the voters of Precinct 3 may be interested in reading the candidates’s answers to:

  1. What are your thoughts on the current legislative public investigation, the evidence that has been entered into the record, and the responses from those who have testified?
  2. If elected, are you leaning toward impeaching the governor based on the evidence thus far, or voting to not impeach the governor?
Ms. Vaiagae has ignored our questions.
Ms. Magofna responded:

What are your thoughts on the current legislative public investigation, the evidence that has been entered into the record, and the responses from those who have testified?

“First and foremost, I believe in our Judicial System and our constitutional right to due process. Every single person must be afforded that right. I wholeheartedly believe that Governor Torres is being afforded that right.
“As for the evidence that has been entered into record, I do find them concerning, very troubling, extremely unethical and maybe even bordering illegality.
“Similarly, the testimonial responses further substantiates the people’s assumptions of public waste and corruption committed by Governor Torres, his dysfunctional leadership and detached perceptions.” – Corina Magofna

If elected, are you leaning toward impeaching the governor based on the evidence thus far, or voting to not impeach the governor?

“Based on all evidence and testimonies we have seen and heard thus far, I am 100% in full support of an impeachment as soon as possible! Our people have suffered far too long. They deserve nothing less than an open and honest government! The government works for the people, and not the other way around!” – Corina Magofna


2 Comments

  • It is the blind loyalty that is so destructive in our government. Who are you loyal to? Your party or the people? Corina is the clear choice here.

  • How can anyone challenge that kind of response? If Corina should lose this election then it proves that we are either condoning corruptions or we just don’t know any better or a bunch of no good people of precinct 3.

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