COMMENTARY
Which Democrat will stand out in governor's race?
By Bob Dye
Kailua-based writer and historian
When Hawai'i Democrats convene in Waikiki in two weeks, they will remind the faithful that they are members of the "put people first" party. Mana Maka'ainana (We the People) is the convention theme.
"This is our chance to re-energize and recommit ourselves," says state chairwoman Lorraine Akiba, a lawyer and former head of the state Department of Labor. "Hawai'i needs Democrats to ensure everyone — not just a lucky few — has the opportunity to participate in our nation's prosperity." She rattles off reasons to keep Democrats in power.
Core values! Empowerment! People first! The battle cries have a familiar ring. But the one that's highest-pitched is: "Don't let the Republicans destroy what we've built." Akiba says, "There is much at stake in the upcoming election. Our values, our way of life, what's important to us ... all is at risk."
But does the new generation of Democrats give a hoot about the political past? Focus groups, I'm told, say they don't. If not, how will they respond to the three announced contenders for the gubernatorial nomination?
Will they believe the coming battle is as epic as Akiba suggests? On which of the horses can Democrats ride to victory — businessman D.G. "Andy" Anderson, lawyer and state rep. Ed Case, or Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris?
Delegates will have the chance to hear each of them speak on the afternoon of June 1. Their 10-minute talks will be listened to carefully to see who best fits the party image. Also important, no matter what their values, will be who stacks up best against Linda Lingle, the likely GOP standard- bearer.
Andy Anderson
Advertiser library photo
Anderson, a systematic organizer and campaigner, is building union support, and says he hopes to have more endorsements by the opening day of the convention. He also is gathering support from special-interest groups, and with them preparing position papers. His will be an issues-oriented campaign. Affable and easy to work with, he has a comfortable local style. He has the backing of older Democrats associated with former Gov. George Ariyoshi, and from Republicans who supported him in his past GOP campaigns.
D.G. "Andy" Anderson has formidable, broad support.
With bipartisan support in the general election, Anderson would be a formidable contender. He is local and Lingle is not. Although that is not as important as it once was, it still counts. Both have experience running a county, Anderson as managing director under Honolulu Mayor Frank Fasi and Lingle as mayor of Maui County. By general election time, Anderson would be as well known as Lingle.
Ed Case
Advertiser library photo
Case, often at odds with the mainstream of his party, appeals to fiscal moderates and independent thinkers. Over the privatization issue, he has incurred the wrath of public employee unions. Bright and articulate, he reminds some older Democrats of Tom Gill, the former congressman and lieutenant governor who was a burr under the saddle of Govs. Burns and Ariyoshi. If there is an intellectual wing of the party, Case is the man. Like Anderson, Case is best at one-on-one campaigning and will be working the halls. Political observers are referring to Case as a "sleeper." He refers to himself as a leader for responsible change. He may appeal to the new generation of Democrats at the convention.
Observers call Ed Case a "sleeper."
Last week, Case was campaigning on the Big Island, talking to members of service clubs and chambers of commerce. He says the folks were responsive to a "local boy coming home." He was born in Hilo and went to prep school in Waimea. Case also has friends and family ties on Kaua'i. A member of an elite kama'aina family, he should do well at both ends of the chain. But will he have enough O'ahu support in a general election race against Lingle? And there's the question of campaign money: Lingle may be able to raise $5 million to $6 million. That would be out of Case's league, I'd guess.
Jeremy Harris
Advertiser library photo
Harris is a tough campaigner. Seemingly indefatigable and capable of totally focusing on an objective, the mayor is proving to be a "take no prisoners" fighter in his budget battle with the City Council. He marshals volunteer forces and rallies troops with the best of them. (No matter what the costs to taxpayers, say opponents on the council.) With Honolulu Hale his domain until July 23, if he chooses, he has the enormous political clout of City Hall at his disposal. Despite the Campaign Spending Commission probe of overly generous donors, Harris is the front-runner in the party primary. He will use that commanding lead to make a show of force at the convention. Trying to thwart him will be Walter Heen, an Anderson supporter, who has put together a coalition opposed to Harris. There could be some old-fashioned fireworks.
Mayor Jeremy Harris is a front-runner in the party primary election.
If it's Harris vs. Lingle in the general election, expect a cliff-hanger. On the Neighbor Islands, Harris is untested, except on Kaua'i, where he was on the County Council some years ago. Lingle should do well on Maui and the Big Island. But masterful populist politician that he is, Harris will probably carry O'ahu big time.
Lingle already is attacking Harris. Expect Harris to fight back by picking up on possible gaffes. At the recently concluded GOP convention, Lingle called President Bush our "greatest president." Bush is riding high in the popularity polls, so Lingle could gain by association. Or perhaps her evaluation was little more than ebullient hyperbole in the frenzy of partisan self-congratulation. Nevertheless, by so unashamedly allying herself with Bush, she runs the risk of being tarred with the same brush if he or a close ideological aide take a tumble.
Attorney General John Ashcroft is a possible lightning rod. A hero to some, he is viscerally disliked by others. Hawai'i is a liberal state, and social justice is a strong plank of Island Democrats.
Since 1954, the Democrats have had a number of political heroes. One of their finest, the late Myron "Pinky" Thompson, will be honored with a special tribute. Thompson was not an elected official. He served Gov. Burns as director of administration. A social worker by training and experience, he later headed the state Department of Social Services. He was a Bishop Estate trustee from 1974 to 1994. In all of those positions, he was dedicated to the Hawaiian people and the rest of us as well. It is good of the party to recognize the contributions of public servants as well as elected officials.
A question for voters to ask gubernatorial candidates is to have them describe the kind of people they can attract to public service. If they answer "Folks like Pinky Thompson," give them extra consideration.
