Democrats shrug off 'disarray'

By Kevin Dayton
Advertiser Capitol Bureau Chief

Hawai'i Democrats tried to laugh off any suggestion they have been weakened by the late withdrawal of Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris from the governor's race, promising to wage a tough, unified campaign this year to remind the voters of their accomplishments.

Hawai'i's Democrats closed their convention yesterday by rallying on stage and in the aisles. Keynote speakers were upbeat about the coming election campaigns. Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser

"They say, 'Oh, what about disarray, the confusion, conflict?' I say, 'What, did you forget about Tom Gill and Jack Burns? What are you talking about?'" he said. "This is nothing. It's lightweight."

The delegates laughed appreciatively, since many of them watched the long series of precinct and convention disputes between Democratic Party factions led by former Lt. Gov. Tom Gill and former Gov. John Burns in the 1960s and 1970s.

"Everybody knows, to try to organize the Democratic Party is like trying to herd cats," Abercrombie said. "It can't be done, forget about it."

Gov. Ben Cayetano assured the delegates yesterday morning that the Legislature served up a fresh record of accomplishments for Democrats to campaign on, including the new law to cap gas prices and other pro-consumer measures.

The convention "exceeded my expectations," Cayetano said as the delegates streamed out of the hall at the Sheraton Waikiki hotel, heading home. "I've been to many conventions before, and where there's no contest, the energy level is not as high. This convention is probably the most exciting and energetic that I've been to in a very, very long time."

All of that was not to suggest that the Democrats have actually settled anything, especially in the race for governor. Wild speculation continued yesterday about who might or might not run, with some guessing that Abercrombie or Rep. Patsy Mink or Sen. Daniel Akaka might jump in.

Akaka joked he was escaping quickly after the convention because "people are badgering me" to run. He said he wants to continue as a U.S. senator, and isn't planning a gubernatorial bid.

"I guess you never rule out anything, but right now it's not in my plans," Akaka said.

Mink said she is "perfectly happy where I am," and Abercrombie said he does not expect there will be any changes in the congressional delegation.

The three Democratic gubernatorial candidates who emerged from the convention are state Rep. Ed Case, D-23rd (Manoa), Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono and D.G. "Andy" Anderson, a former Republican state senator and city managing director.

Harris, who had been considered the Democratic front-runner, announced Thursday he would not run. He said he was 22 points behind in the polls and did not believe he could win. He also said he wanted to remain as mayor for his final two years and focus on the city's budget problems.

Abercrombie in particular revved up the crowd yesterday with a speech punctuated with wisecracks and digs at GOP candidate Linda Lingle and the Republican Party. Nearly 1,000 delegates and observers were obviously in the mood for a laugh, and their applause and cheers at times drowned out even Abercrombie's booming, amplified voice.

He mimicked a revivalist preacher or religious healer, joking that "I almost feel like I should stand here and say, Heal, heal."

"I'm telling you that I feel so good about being here today under these circumstances, I can't wait for this contest to get started," Abercrombie said. "I can't wait for them to see us out there when they think we're gonna fall down. I can't wait."

Between them Mink and Abercrombie attacked President Bush's policies, his tax cuts, the proposed changes in welfare reform and the national Republicans' anti-abortion stance. And both blamed Lingle for failing to intervene to convince Republicans in Congress to allow passage of Akaka's bill for federal recognition of Native Hawaiians.

"We have the ideas, we have the record," Mink shouted at the crowd. "Hey, some people say don't talk about the past — we are the past, the present and the future."

In a more somber moment, the convention listened to a sometimes tearful presentation by Alexander and Jane Nakatani of Maui, who briefly described the lives of their sons, Greg, Glen and Guy.

Glen and Guy, who were gay, died after developing AIDS, and Greg was shot to death in San Diego in 1986. Their parents urged the convention to work for greater tolerance and acceptance for youngsters who are growing up gay or are troubled for other reasons, a message that moved a number of the delegates to tears.