The fading light of a political hopeful

THE FLICKERING FLAME of Social Development Minister Guillermo Ferrufino’s political ambitions appears to be nearing extinction.

A few month’s ago Ferrufino wanted to run as a Democratic Change (CD) presidential candidate but was persuaded by his party’s leader, Ricardo Martinelli, to lower his sights. His next move was to throw his hat into the ring to get the party nomination to run for mayor of Panama, a post currently occupied by CD insider Roxana Mendez.

A few days before the CD primaries he withdrew for “health” reasons, but continued in office as a cabinet minister.

It was later reported that he would be seeking the nomination to become a CD deputy for the 8-7 electoral district.
Twenty four hours after the story appeared in local media he announced on Sunday, September 29, that he will not run as a candidate for the ruling party.
"I'm not running as a deputy," Ferrufino told La Prensa while accompanying Aimée de Arias (wife of CD presidential candidate Jose Domingo Arias) at the of Mejorana Festival, in Guararé, province of Los Santos.
Ferrufino said he will continue to support the campaign of Arias. 
However, according to the deputy José Muñoz, campaign manager for Arias the party has a list of 10 people who want to be nominated in the 8-7 district and it includes Ferrufino.