Freshman Democrat Bucks Potential GOP Trend In the South Pacific

It may not be the best barometer to watch to see how Democrats might fair in midterm elections this fall.

Republicans are hoping the election returns will propel them into the majority in the House of Representatives.

But an endangered, freshman lawmaker who caucuses with House Democrats has emerged victorious in a brutal, four-way electoral slugfest….

In the Northern Mariana Islands.

Del. Kilili Sablan (I-MP), the non-voting delegate to Congressman from the U.S. commonwealth in the South Pacific, faced an uphill climb to score re-election to Congress. But Sablan topped Covenant Party candidate Joseph Camacho, Republican Juan Babauta and Democrat Jesus Camacho.

The race was decided “early” – because the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) are 14 hours ahead of Washington.

Sablan is an independent but links himself with the Democratic party.

Two years ago, Sablan eked out a razor-thin win in a nine-candidate field  to become the CNMI’s first representative in Congress.

There are six non-voting delegates to Congress, representing the CNMI, Guam, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These lawmakers can serve on committees, chair panels, back legislation and participate in debate. But they can not vote on the House floor.

In Guam, Del. Madeleine Bordallo (D-GU) won re-election as well. She was unopposed.