Three candidates make their pitch at convention

By Lynda Arakawa
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

Hundreds of Democrats cheered on their candidates for governor yesterday at their state convention, just 48 hours after the Democratic gubernatorial front-runner, Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris, dropped out of the race.

Gov. Ben Cayetano, his wife, Vicky, and U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie were familiar faces at the Democratic convention yesterday in Waikiki. Cory Lum • The Honolulu Advertiser

"It's going to be a difficult run," said Lydia Mahi, West Hawai'i manager of the Hawai'i County Economic Opportunity Council, after listening to the candidates' speeches. "Each one of them has something that we are looking for. It's going to be a tough decision to make."

Former Gov. John Waihe'e said that by leaving the race, Harris leveled the field for the remaining candidates. While Hirono has the broadest statewide name recognition of the three, none has a lock on a significant segment of Democratic voters and all would likely hold some appeal with the growing numbers of voters who describe themselves as independent.

"It's not a primary that's sewed up," Waihe'e said. "The three presentations today were solid. And the people who know politics recognize that."

Hirono talked about how she fought to preserve and promote Democratic values during her 22 years in public office.

D.G. "Andy" Anderson said Hawai'i labor unions "are our roots."

"So, yes, I'm in the race for governor. And I'm in it to win."

Hirono talked about the importance of adhering to Democratic ideals. She said she stands for a process that involves consensus and openness while being independent of special interests.

"Our next governor is going to have a tough job on her hands,"

Hirono said. "We need to improve our economy. We need to improve the quality of education for all our children. We need to bolster tourism, high-tech, biotech, healthcare — the list goes on. You will hear my ideas and plans during the campaign.

Rep. Ed Case said "Status quo is not an option."

Case stressed his roots in Hawai'i, which go back four generations, and he led the audience in a chant of "We love Hawai'i! We love Hawai'i!" He acknowledged Harris in the audience, thanking him for "his courage and continued service" and pledging to work with him.

Case, known largely for his departures from the party line in the House, particularly on labor issues, said: "I see a Hawai'i where our economy is pumping, where our government is a benefit to all of us and not a burden, where we are proud of public education, where our kids come home to grow old with us, where our host culture thrives. ...

"Some say that that vision is not achievable, that such change cannot occur. I reject that view. I say that the status quo is not an option. ... And I also say, to those who cannot agree, that we must go on, for the sake of our people, our party, our very future."

Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono said "there's a lot of work to be done."

After thanking Democrats for welcoming him into the party, Anderson took aim at Republican gubernatorial front-runner Linda Lingle, who he said avoids discussing controversial issues.

Anderson also said some young Democrats who are nervous about surrounding themselves with labor unions "don't appreciate the work that went before them." He said the party owes its success to the labor community and unions because "they are our roots."

"I'm going to build this party," Anderson said, "I'm going to further build it, I'm going to strengthen it and I'm going to carry on all of the ideals and principles and dreams of John Burns and Ariyoshi and Waihe'e and Cayetano.

"This is a great party."