'Free' elections?

Only one candidate for the CNMI's Washington Delegate seat has reported any campaign contributions or expenditures, according to the Federal Election Commission. Washington Representative Pedro A. Tenorio reported receiving $31,498.

Strangely, John Oliver Gonzales, Juan T. Lizama and Gregorio "Kilili" Sablan aren't listed as candidates. Apparently there's a $5,000 threshold before reporting is required. That's one possibility, and my opinion is worth the phosphor it's printed on. The answer might be in the FEC Campaign Guide (PDF).

Felipe Q. Atalig, David M. Cing, Luis P. Crisostimo, John H. Davis, Jr. and Chong Man Won listed no receipts or disbursements.

From the FEC website: "Committees filing with the FEC generally submit reports on a quarterly or monthly schedule. Quarterly reports cover the calendar quarters and are due on April 15, July 15, October 15 and January 31. Monthly reports cover the calendar months and are typically due on the 20th day of the following month."

Again, I've just been skipping around the website, but candidates who are used to the Commonwealth's enforcement should note that there are fines and no extensions.

I went to the horse's, er, source because the information at OpenSecrets appeared to have little change from what I saw last month.

At both sites, Pedro A. Tenorio is the only candidate reporting contributions (and expenditures).

I've really been curious about this. Stay tuned.

In my last post I was too lazy to check, but it seems contributions over $200 must be reported.