The turn out at Saturday’s kick off for the re-election campaign of Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga and Lt. Governor Lemanu Sialega Palepoi Peleti Mauga was overwhelming in terms of number of people attending and the amount of money raised.
One member of the committee put the amount raised at about $270,000.
There was not an empty seat in the huge Samoa Sports Center or Bowling Alley Building and the tents set up outside overflowed with people. 
The Bowling Alley park lot was also filled and vehicles and buses covered the grassy area in front of Island Pizza and Bank of Hawaii across the street.
On the stage were Rev Elder Mamoe and his wife, the Governor and First Lady Cynthia, and Lt. Governor.
On the front row across from the stage sat the who’s who of local government leadership, with the exception of the Judiciary.
The Senate President and House Speaker were in the center table and to one side were Paramount Chief Mauga Tasi Asuega and his wife, with Senate President Pro Temp Nuanua ole Feagaiga Saoluaga Nua, Senators Galeai Poumele, Tuaolo Fruean, Laolagi Vaeao, former Governor Togiola Tulafono and Mrs Maryanne Tulafono, Manu’a District Governor Misaalefua Hudson.
Eastern District Governor Alo Dr. Paul Stevenson was also present.
Several other senators and representatives were among the crowd and directors including the heads all of the authorities and semi independent agencies were there enmasse.
Before the crowd heard from the candidates Reverend Elder Mamoe imparted both a spiritual and personal message for Lolo and Lemanu , then Secretary of Samoan Affairs Mauga Tasi Asuega gave a rousing and animated plug for the two leaders.
A student from Tafuna High School Kiso Skelton who was introduced as a representative for the youth, selected by the Department of Youth and Women Affairs, then took the podium in a thank you speech to the administration and listed all the good things they have done for the young people.
Lt. Governor Lemanu had a prepared speech in English which listed the achievements of their four years in office m which the lt. governor skipped parts of, cognizant that the afternoon was wearing on.
He also gave a personal thank you to Governor Lolo for having confidence in him as his running mate and to the territory for the love shown up at the loss of his wife.
Governor Lolo ‘s speech continued along the lines of cooperation between the leaders of government being the conduit of the accomplishments which were mentioned in Lemanu’s speech,
He thanked the Senate President and House Speaker saying if they had not worked together, and if the Fono had not approved enabling laws, the good works mentioned in the speech would not have been possible.
He said being governor is not an easy task…there are sleepless nights worrying about how the next payroll will be paid, about the island’s security, about what tomorrow will bring.
He said towards the end of 2013 m their first year in office, former Governor Togiola thanked them for their good leadership in stabilizing the territory and state of government. 
Lolo said four years ago the voters asked God to choose leaders for the territory, and the answer was the selection of his ordinary person and Lemanu to lead American Samoa.
The governor mentioned twice in his speech that no administration had served less than two terms in office and this he said is from the realization that no one can accomplish tasks and projects in just four years as there are challenges and difficulties facing any endeavor.
From KHJ News research there were three times in which a sitting governor has only one term.
Lutali’s first term from 1984 to 1988, Governor Coleman from 1989 to 1993 and the second term of AP Lutali from 1982 to 1996,
For the last part of his speech the governor talked about how leaders like he and Togiola who are from small villages were picked as leaders.
He said the message for the youth is to prepare for their calling for leadership.
He said it’s not just about reading books, or tapping on the computer, and it’s not only concerned about looking after money.
He said the preparation to being a leader comes with looking after people, the family, church, the village, and culture and traditions.
He also advised that they become familiar with the role of a matai.
Lolo said one cannot be a good leader if he doesn’t portray traits of a good leader and said you don’t roam and then decide to become a matai because you want to be a leader,.
For his final comments the governor said there are lots of false statements being made to take the youth’s attention away from the truth.
He said such statements may be pleasing to hear. 
Lolo didn’t mention any names though it was apparent he was referring to their gubernatorial opponents.
He said you be an example of a good leader for the youth to follow…instead of making pronouncements and people don’t see you following your statements.
