Nisce drops La Union gov bid

SAN FERNANDO, La Union – Because of his loyalty to the Lakas-Christian, Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party, La Union Vice Gov. Aureo Nisce said he was sacrificing his gubernatorial ambition "for the sake of unity" in the province.

Nisce, vice chairman of Lakas-CMD, met with local leaders on Monday afternoon to inform them that he would no longer seek any position to keep the party intact in the province.

"The people knew that I was prepared to run for governor, but the majority members of Lakas-CMD and leaders of the coalition parties have decided on the best candidates. I chose the nobler way and respect the party decision," Nisce told The STAR after the meeting.

First district Rep. Manuel Ortega, Nationalist People’s Coalition chairman, was chosen as coalition candidate for governor, and Agoo Mayor Frannie Eriguel and Gov. Victor Ortega for second district and first district congressman, respectively.

Nisce said he will leave politics temporarily, adding that he hopes to stage a political comeback in 2010.