American Samoa's Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin says he may have lost Tuesday's Congressional elections but he is not yet ready to throw in the towel and quit local politics.
The 70 year-old, who has been American Samoa's delegate to Congress for nearly 30 years, was beaten by challenger Aumua Amata in the election.
He concedes that his health was one of the main factors contributing to the results but also credits his long time political foe and now Congresswoman elect Aumua Amata for running an effective campaign.
He told KHJ News he was surprised by the results.
"I didn't expect it but you know that's what democracy is all about. The will of the people has been expressed and I want to congratulate Amata for wonderfully taking the campaign that I thought was very, very well productive and she did a fantastic job and I have to commend her for that."
Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin Photo: Free google search image
Faleomavaega says he is finishing a book that he's written on and off and will then contemplate his next move but he's certain that he's not retiring from politics.
He returns this weekend to Washington D.C. with his wife Hinanui Hunkin and will prepare to vacate his office by the December 31st.
