Former Lt. Governor Diego T. Benavente is reportedly eyeing a run for the House of Representatives in the upcoming midterm elections next year.

Benavente, the longest serving Speaker of the lower House, suffered his first political defeat when he and then Governor Juan N. Babauta sought re-election last year. In a four-way gubernatorial race, the Babauta/Benavente team placed third --- giving the stronghold Republican Party their worst gubernatorial election performance yet.

However, grassroots voters beleive the margin of defeat was due in part to two reasons. One was that the local GOP suffered a split between those who defected to the now ruling Covenant Party and the independent team of Heinz Hofschneider and David Apatang. Secondly, a good number of voters were also not satisfied with the performance of former governor Babauta and his ring of advisers.

Benavente had served many years as an undefeated lawmaker in Precinct 2. Should the former speaker and lt. governor decide to return to the lower house, he will be running in Precinct 1 due to his relocation of residence. This may be somewhat of an advantage as a large portion of his family hail from Precinct 1, including Rep. Benjamin B. Seman.

While this information is yet to be confirmed by Benavente himself, sources close to the decision table have also indicated that he is also eyeing the GOP's gubernatorial nomination for the next general election.

PN WebCo. will keep a close eye on further developments of this report and will keep our readership informed.