[3][4] Benigno Repeki Fitial became the first governor to win a second term since 1985 and the first time a candidate won a majority since 1993 thanks to the newly implemented run-off voting system.

[1] In early 2009, Benigno Fitial, known as Uncle Ben, was under extreme pressure from his rivals and the general populace, being known as the unpopular incumbent who broke all his major campaign promises.

[6] His Lieutenant Governor Timothy Pangelinan Villagomez and Commerce Secretary James A. Santos were in federal prison for corruption.

[7] Major election issues included the Commonwealth's faltering economy and the federalization of the Northern Mariana Islands' immigration by the United States government.

Former legislator Juan "Pan" Tenorio Guerrero ran as an independent, with sitting CNMI Rep. Joe Camacho as his running mate.

Another former legislator, Ramon "Kumoi" Deleon Guerrero, campaigned as an independent, with former Education Commissioner David M. Borja as his running mate.

The gubernatorial candidates focused heavily on the estimated 3,000 Northern Mariana Islanders residing on the United States mainland, many of whom were eligible to vote be absentee ballot.

[9] Three of the four gubernatorial candidates - Governor Fitial, Hofschneider and Juan Pan Guerrero - attended a Labor Day festival for Northern Mariana Islanders in San Diego, California, in September 2009.

[10] Independent candidate Juan "Pan" Tenorio Guerrero and his running mate, Joe Camacho, campaigned throughout the western United States in August and September.

[9] Thanks to all the broken campaign promises and the major corruption scandals his administration face, Benigno Fitial couldn't run on his record.

as he skillfully exploited the still simmering rift between the two GOP factions and handed out promises of government jobs and contracts to key Republicans.

The incumbent Governor, Benigno Fitial of the Covenant Party, successfully ran for a second term; his running mate, Lt.

[16] Under a 2009 law signed by Governor Benigno Fitial, a runoff election is required within fourteen days of the if no candidate obtained 50% of the popular vote plus 1.

[16] Former independent candidate Juan "Pan" Guerrero declined to endorse either Fitial or Hofschneider in one-page statement released on November 13, 2009.

"[28] Guerrero further elaborated that, "As soon as it was clear that I would not be in the runoff election, I urged supporters to make their own choices about whom to support-Ben and Eloy or Heinz and Arnold.

[28] Guerrero's running mate in the 2009 election, Joe Camacho, issued his own statement on November 12 endorsing the Covenant Party ticket of Governor Benigno Fitial and Lt.

[29] Former independent candidate Ramon "Kumoi" Deleon Guerrero, who came in fourth place in the general election, endorsed Heinz Hofschneider and Arnold Palacios for governor and lt.

"[30] Deleon Guerrero stated that Fitial had failed to deliver on a number of promises during his term in office, such as economic growth, improved healthcare and the removal of fuel surcharges.

Do you approve of House Legislative Initiative 15-3 to amend Article XV, Section 1(c) and (e) of the Constitution of the Northern Mariana Islands to one member being a high school student – one member selected by the teachers within the Public School System – the selection process of a public school teacher representative shall be established by law – the elected board members shall be limited to two terms – and the public elementary and secondary education system shall be guaranteed an annual budget of not less than 15 percent of the general revenues of the Commonwealth through an annual appropriation?