Abercrombie blames primary loss on gay marriage - Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) -

By VIJAY JOSHI and CATHY BUSSEWITZ

Associated Press

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie says he lost his bid for re-election in a Democratic primary because of his decision to call a special session to legalize gay marriage.

Abercrombie said Friday that Republicans allowed to vote in the open primary think his party rival, state Sen. David Ige, is an easier target in the general election.

Abercrombie made the remarks to a group of reporters in his office in Honolulu.

Abercrombie says losing the primary was worth passing the law. He lost to Ige by a stunning 2 -1 margin.

Republican gubernatorial candidate James "Duke" Aiona says he's flattered that Abercrombie thinks there are so many Republicans in Hawaii that they could have caused such a huge defeat.

Ige could not immediately be reached for comment.

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