3 Jun 2014

New candidate in American Samoa delegate race for US Congress

2:01 pm on 3 June 2014

A newly announced candidate in American Samoa's Delegate race for the U.S Congress, Meleagi Suitonu-Chapman, says her aim is to strengthen the relationship between the congressional delegate, the governor and fono.

She joins two others - Tua'au Kereti Mata'utia Jr. and Rosie Fuala'au Tago Lancaster - who have already officially announced their candidacy.

They hope to unseat the longtime incumbent Congressman, Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, who is yet to say whether he will seek re-election.

Mrs Suitonu-Chapman says entering the Congressional race has been a long-term dream of hers.

She says she believes the Congressperson's role in DC is to convey the needs of American Samoa.

"Which is why I believe in creating a better and closer relationship with the Governor, Lt. Governor, and the Fono. These are powerful men and women that will tell me what are the essential needs for our people that we can ask congress to help us with."

Meleagi Suitonu-Chapman says she has 20 years of experience in working for the federal government.