CSC graduate wins runoff election in American Samoa

 During last week's runoff, Tulafona received 55.7 percent of the vote, or 1,1316 more votes than his challenger, Afoa Lutu.

Tulafono, who had been the lieutenant governor since 1996, became the 52nd governor of American Samoa in April 2003 following the death of Gov. Tauese Sunia. This is the first time Tulafono has been elected governor.

The runoff was necessary because in the general election early this month Tulafono received 49 percent of the vote, Lutu received 42 percent and a third challenger received 8 percent.

After the runoff results were announced, Tulafono said there is much work to be done to improve the standards and conditions in the territory. The Samoa Observer reported that trucks full of Tulafono "supporters hoisting banners and hooting horns, went up and down the coastal roads through the night." The newspaper also said that residents flocked to the roadside waving posters and banners.

In late October, Tulafono received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Chadron State via a satellite link with the campus. He graduated from CSC in 1970. While on campus, he was well known for his fire and sword dance demonstrations and for winning the triple jump at the Nebraska College Conference Track and Field Meet.