US Pacific territories gear up for mid-term elections

As Americans prepare to cast their votes in the mid-term elections, polling has already opened in the territories of Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) voting for delegates to represent them in US Congress.

The US Pacific territories of Guam, CNMI and American Samoa elect non-voting delegates to represent their interests in Washington.

Delegates are currently unable to vote on bills, though the right to vote has been given and revoked several times through Congress history.

Delegates are able to vote in congressional committees and in conference committees, which work to reconcile conflicts between House and Senate bills.

The territories will vote for their delegate, as well as governor, attorney-general and local legislature.

All of the current delegates for US territories are members of the Democrats, but in Guam that may be set to change.

Guam: the first lady vs the beauty queen

One of the most interesting contests in the territories is in Guam, where an experienced congresswoman faces off against a former beauty queen.

Incumbent Democrat and former first lady of Guam Madeleine Bordallo has retained her position as delegate since 2002. With estimates at 55 per cent in her favour, she looks likely to keep her seat.

"Madeleine Bordallo is very well liked, she's a long standing politician on Guam, former first lady, former Guam senator, former lieutenant-governor of Guam, she's very well positioned, I believe she'll probably prevail, but this is in one of the most interesting races for the House of Representatives in many years on Guam," said Ron McNinch, associate professor of public administration at the University of Guam.

She's challenged by Republican and former Miss Guam Universe Margaret Metcalfe, who is pushing Ms Bordallo on the hard issues.

"She's a wonderful person, and she's run a very lively campaign and she's brought up issues and that's what's made this campaign different from the last 12 years and she's really focussed on issues and creative debates," Mr McNinch told Pacific Beat.

One of the key issues is the Compact of Free Association, which opens up Guam as an unrestricted port of entry for other island nations.

The United States made agreements with island countries to allow free immigration and free employment to several freely associated island states, such as the Federated States of Micronesia.

The influx of immigrants in Guam has placed immense pressure on local healthcare, education and social services.

"No one's been really willing to complain to the federal government strongly about this and so Metcalfe proposed that she would complain very strongly and try and get the federal government to essentially help us a little bit more," Mr McNinch said.

Another issue Ms Metcalfe has been hard on is reducing US military build-up in Guam.

Ms Bordallo has historically been in favour of using Guam as a military training ground, despite complaints from indigenous groups and environmentalists, while Ms Metcalfe is pushing for greater control of Guam's land.

"As loyal US Citizens, we are patriots, but this doesn't mean handing our island over to the Military without check. It is critical that we have a voice in the determination of our island's future and our few precious resources," Ms Metcalfe campaign website reads.

Poor health hurts American Samoan congressman's re-election bid

On the other side of the dateline, the longest serving current territory delegate will be recontesting his seat, to the concern of many locals.

Incumbent Democrat Eni Faleomavaega has been American Samoa's representative to congress since 1988.

The 71-year-old was absent from the public eye for an extended period this year, after a reported stroke in October 2013 had him evacuated to the US for treatment.

His limited public appearances since then has caused many rumours to circulate about his ailing health.

"He's kept a low profile which is very unlike the congressman, we have a glimpse of him when he first arrived in the territory and he's lost more than 50 pounds, and he was supposed to be speaking at some of the local college forums but he did not make an appearance," local journalist Monica Miller said.

"He has been at the dialysis clinic at the local hospital, and announced last month he has some heart and kidney problems and this has been traced back to Agent Orange when he was a Vietnam War veteran.

"He is not well, but Congressman Faleomavaega is continuing the campaign for re-election."

Ms Miller says despite the popular support for Mr Faleomavaega, his health is a growing concern to voters.

"Congressman Faleomavaega has a big support, very loyal supporters in the territory," she said.

"But more and more now you are hearing people questioning whether it's time for him to bow out and that with his health issues.

"How can voters expect him to give 100 per cent, especially at a time when the territory really needs attention from Washington for some of the pressing issues, for example, minimum wage and fisheries?"

"Because of him now requiring a dialysis treatment, many people are questioning whether he can really be an effective congressman and I think because of his illness, that is the reason we now have nine contenders for the post of American Samoa's post of representative to congress.

"But he still has a lot of loyal supporters."