Sen. Fisher departs Republican caucus, considers run for Attorney General
Republican Senator Tom Fisher won't be making a return to the legislature next year.
And he's already decided to call it quits announcing his departure Tuesday from the Republican Party of Guam.
The reason?
“It was kind of multifaceted and I’m considering a run for the Attorney General’s office and that is a non-partisan position and I think it would look a little odd if I continue to caucus with or identify with the Republicans or the Democrats,” said Sen. Fisher.
His decision to consider this elected office comes after his defeat in the senatorial race in November.
Fisher, a trial lawyer, said the reason he is considering running for AG is, “The legislature just moves at a glacial pace and frequently shares a capacity not to get things accomplished that are necessary to get things accomplished on Guam. These are things that the Attorney General can do by not halting or blocking the movement of another government agency that’s acting within their discretion and acting legally.”
He also calls out the work or as he says lack thereof from the sitting AG.
“We cannot continue to wait around for month after month after year while these procurement get jammed up in the AG’s office and I don’t think the current Attorney General is paying attention to his job,” said Fisher. “Frankly, he’s got to go and if not me it’s got to be somebody else that takes that position.”
“I think it's self interest on his part and I’m going to leave it up to the voters,” said AG Doug Moylan.
Moylan argues he's been putting in the work, adding, “Now we’ve got a Department of Corrections that is overcrowded with people that we’ve protected our community from essentially. Obviously, I disagree with what he is saying. I think it’s within his own self interest and I got two more years to do a lot of work here.”
At least a handful of other local attorneys are considering a run for AG, as well, to include former AG candidate Peter Santos.
“ I’m not in election mode. I’m in a get down and dirty mode,” said Moylan. “Now you got Tom Fisher jumping in after he lost the senatorial race. I think that’s an indicator of the poor quality of service he was giving to our community.”
Meantime, Sen. Fisher gave notices to Speaker Therese Terlaje about his decision to no longer caucus or identify with the GOP, adding, “I've made this decision because I believe it's the best way to keep working for everyone on this island, without political distractions.”