Not since George W. Bush ran against then-Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts in 2004, when Bush earned 45% of the vote in Hawaii, has a Republican candidate performed so strongly in a general election.
Rick Blangiardi is pointing to a successful career as a television executive on the mainland and in Hawaii as proof that what voters will get in him is a leader.
Former Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa doesn’t have the glitziest messaging in her run for mayor, or the most uplifting. It’s practical and simple and goes something like this: She understands government.
Analysts say Hannemann brings smarts, accomplishments and experience to the race. But during an interview, Hannemann's “answers were about explaining past decisions and essentially saying, ‘Trust me.’”
The City Councilwoman spoke at length about how she would seek to foster new economic growth outside of the tourism sector — though offered few details on how she’d actually make them happen.
