Republican nominees for federal and territorial offices will be selected at a territorial convention on June 11, according to a statement from VIGOP State Chairman John Canegata.
The decision to opt out from the taxpayer-funded primary election was made during a special meeting of the Territorial Committee on Friday after the Joint Board of Elections informed the party that it was excluding party offices – state chairman, national committeewoman, national committeeman and members of the Territorial Committee – from the primary. (See Related Links below)
“Taxpayers shouldn’t fund primaries and party elections,” Canegata said in explaining the party’s decision. “Not only is the territorial convention the fairest way to select nominees, but it will also unify our party, both here and nationally, to defeat Democrats.”
And unlike the taxpayer-funded primary election, candidates at the territorial convention won’t pay a fee or be forced to collect hundreds of petition signatures – requirements that protect incumbents but dissuade challengers, he said.
“It’s an open process,” said Canegata. “The Republican Party welcomes those who share our principles and our belief that Virgin Islanders deserve a choice at the ballot box.”
Virgin Islanders interested in seeking the Republican nomination or election to party office at the convention should contact Canegata for more information on becoming a candidate.
Further convention details will be announced at a later date.