There are three candidates for American Samoa's seat in the US Congress.
Nominations for the territory's elections in November closed on Friday, with few surprises in the list of candidates for the American Samoan House of Representatives.
Monica Miller reports.
"Incumbent Congressman, Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, is being challenged by Aumua Amata Coleman and present serving Representative for Mauputasi Muavaefaatasi Ae Ae Jr. 63 candidates are vying for 19 seats in the American Samoa House of Representatives. The 20th seat is for the non voting member of Swains island."
The single candidate running unopposed is incumbent lawmaker for Saole District, Agaoleatu Charlie Tautolo. Agaoleatu is the owner of the local McDonald's franchise. Five former lamwkaers who were defeated in the last elections are running again. There are seven women in the list, including the only female lawmaker Rep Lauagaia Mary Taufetee.
Director of Women and Youth Affairs Fiasili Puni Haleck, a former representative, is running from Pago Pago.
Attorney Robert Maez is making a bid for the two seats for Tualauta. He is believed to be the first caucausian to run for the House of Representatives. Businessman Mapu Jamias, Meteorologist Mase Akapo Akapo, Sales and Marketing Manager Taotasi Archie Soliai and Army reservist Faafetai Teofilio are some of the first time candidates.
