Last Saturday morning, a first meeting of the families of two would-be candidates in the 2020 gubernatorial race, Senate President Gaoteote Palaie Tofau and Senator Faiivae Alex Godinet and their wives, took place at the Samoa Sports Center.
Talking Chief Malaepule Fuega Moliga, who emceed the event, said the purpose of the gathering was for the families and friends of Gaoteote and Faiivae to meet and become familiar with each other before the candidates formally announce their intentions and kick off their campaign.
In addition to relatives of the candidates and their wives, the audience included a few senators and church ministers.
In his remarks, Gaoteote extended his thanks to Faiivae and his wife Ilaisa for accepting his invitation to be his running mate.
He said that Faiivae is an esteemed leader of high rank, yet he has accepted his request.
The would-be candidate for Governor said that the presence of so many of their relatives and friends gave him and Faiivae much encouragement and hope.
Gaoteote said they cannot present their wishes to the public without getting the blessing and support of their families first.
He likened Saturday’s gathering to a marriage because he and Faiivae were uniting his families, friends and village becoming Faiivae’s and vice versa.
Would-be lieutenant governor candidate Faiivae said he felt privileged to be asked by Gaoteote to be his running mate.
He told the gathering that they had several discussions and came to the conclusion that Gaoteote would seek the office of the governor while he will run as lieutenant governor in the 2020 elections.
Faiivae echoed Gaoteote’s comments about feeling encouraged by the presence of so many relatives and friends.
Tauese Vaa Sunia spoke on behalf of the families of Faiivae and wife Ilaisa to express appreciation for the selection of Faiivae to be Gaoteote’s running mate, while Tuiagamoa Tavai reciprocated on behalf of Gaoteote’s families.
Malaepule announced that there will be a few more gatherings of the families of the two candidates before they meet with supporters at which time a campaign leader will be selected and other decisions made.
