Previous     Next | View all

08-21-2010 - Statement on Endorsement from Ed Case

The following is Neil Abercrombie's statement on receiving the endorsement of Ed Case (the endorsement message from Ed Case is below):
    I am very happy to receive the support of Ed Case.  His endorsement of our campaign today, along with his endorsement of Colleen Hanabusa at the State Democratic Convention signal that the Democratic Party is returning to its core values—inclusion, commitment, and always putting the people first.



    Ed’s statement speaks for itself.  As he mentioned, he and I have not always agreed on everything, but that does not stop us from joining together for a better Hawaii.



    A coalition for change is coming together in Hawaii—educators and social workers, venture capitalists and hotel workers, Hawaiian homesteaders and civil rights advocates, working men and women from the public and private sectors. Long time Democrats and now the fierce independence of Ed Case.  We are united in our desire to change Hawaii’s politics.  We are united in our commitment for a new day in Hawaii."
Below is the endorsement message from Ed Case, titled "Election '10: For Governor":
    Dear Friend:

    In the Democratic primary for Governor, I support Neil Abercrombie.

    This may surprise some, as Abercrombie hasn't supported my every campaign and we don't agree on all issues. But the choice for us all in that primary, between Abercrombie and Mufi Hannemann, is about far more than anything like that: it's about what Hawai‘i we want.

    I've known and worked with Abercrombie for over two decades, including four good years together as Hawai‘i's Congressmen. Throughout a two-decade congressional career, Neil was an effective advocate for Hawai‘i in both Republican and Democratic administrations and majorities, was responsible for crucial defense and other federal budgets, and always took care of the folks back home. Throughout, he's been deeply committed to Hawai‘i, independent in thought and action, capable of defending what should be preserved and changing what should not, and passionate about making our government work for all. In experience, character, perspective and commitment, he would serve us well as our Governor.

    I've known and worked with Hannemann for the same period, and once saw him as a leader for Hawai‘i today and tomorrow. But, as I've watched him in public office, I've come to view him as the most dangerous politician in a generation, because his talents mask an agenda which, if successful, will set Hawai‘i back a generation. He is the product and clear choice of a political machine that must end. While professing unity, he's practiced the politics of division, exploiting rather than healing differences of race, origin and economic status. He has governed by fear and intimidation, rewarding compliance and punishing disagreement. His policy decisions have too often focused on short-term avoidance at the expense of longterm solutions. All spin aside, none of that would serve us well as our Governor.

    I want a Hawai‘i of inclusion. Of honest and accessible government for all. A government committed to both preserving our soul and finding better ways to a better future. And I want leaders I can trust to get us there. At the end of the day, after everything else is considered and all the shouting is pau, I simply trust Neil Abercrombie and don't trust Mufi Hannemann.

    A final thought. Some are undecided today among Abercrombie, Hannemann and Duke Aiona, or are supportive of Aiona. Abercrombie and Aiona differ on various issues, but they're both honest, independent, experienced candidates capable of governing competently and inclusively. It would be a singular achievement for us all to vote in the Democratic primary to reject the brand of fear-based exclusionary machine politics practiced by Hannemann, and to then each and all make an issues-based choice between Abercrombie and Aiona in the general election.

    Warm Aloha,

    Ed

08-20-2010 - Vote Now

It's time to vote by mail!

By now you've probably heard media commentary criticizing Mufi Hannemann's recent negative campaign mailer (and watched video of Neil's response). Unfortunately, we can expect more of this with the Hannemann campaign flooding voters with ads before the Primary Election on September 18. Voters on Oahu know from past experience that this is typical of Hannemann campaigns.

The good news is that you can silence all of this unpleasantness by casting your vote early. If you've already requested an absentee ballot, you will be receiving it this week (next week for Oahu and Kauai). If you are registered to vote but haven't requested an absentee ballot yet, click here and apply as soon as possible!

Voting early is the best way to help Neil win the Democratic primary:
  • Anything could happen on election day...don’t let a flat tire, a late bus, or a busy day prevent you from voting.

  • Early voting saves time (mail voters spend no time waiting in lines) and avoids confusion about polling places (97 out of 335 polling precincts have been eliminated for this election cycle).

  • And early voting drives create enthusiasm, media attention, and energy--all of which support efforts to increase turnout, a key to winning this election!
Most importantly, voting early means you can spend the last days leading up to election day helping the campaign and encouraging others to vote.

Call us at 589-2237 or email (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you have questions.

08-19-2010 - Watch Neil’s Candidate Profile Video from Hawaii News Now

Hawaii News Now profile of Neil Abercrombie

Previous     Next | View all