Gaoteote Tofau Palaie looks set for another term as President of American Samoa's Senate.
Mauputasi Senator Tuaolo Fruean was mentioned as a possible challenger but says he is throwing his support behind Gaoteote.
Tuaolo conceded that he had contemplated making a run for the President's chair but changed his mind out of respect for Gaoteote whom he said was doing a good job as leader.
In addition he said both he and Gaoteote had backed Lolo for governor and it would not look good for them to challenge each other for Senate president.
He therefore decided it best to bow out and yield to Gaoteote.
Tuaolo said at their first and only meeting with Gaoteote attended by 16 senators, all present expressed their support of Gaoteote to lead the Senate in the new legislature.
It was Senator Galeai Tuufuli, considered the most senior senator and a father figure for the Fono, who was the first to speak and gave his full support for Gaoteote.
