By Jerry Burris
Advertiser Editorial Editor

Do endorsements make a difference?

That question comes up every election cycle, including this one.

We're talking here not just about newspaper endorsements, but those plugs for candidates from unions, interest groups and even groups of people with a similar background — teachers, Hawaiians, women, you name it.

The campaigns obviously feel endorsements matter. Every endorsement, even the most obscure, is touted somewhere. Candidates take time out of their schedule to meet with and pitch to any interest group willing to listen.

The reason endorsements pack so much punch is that they are one way to cut through the flak that surrounds a campaign. The campaigns themselves put out a blizzard of information — positive about the candidate and negative about the opponent. All of this must be taken with a grain of salt.

But interest-group endorsements are what they are. If you stand with the police union, for instance, you're for Linda Lingle. Same with the University of Hawai'i Professional Assembly.

But if you stand with the National Association of Social Workers or the Hawai'i Coalition of Conservation Voters, you're with Mazie Hirono.

If you stand strong with the Hawai'i State Teachers Association, then you're — whoops! — you're not sure whom you're for. The teachers union did not endorse either gubernatorial candidate this year. So both candidates put out ads claiming support from public school teachers.

Hirono received endorsements from most of the trade unions, traditionally strong for Democratic candidates. Lingle did get the backing of her former employer Unity House, however.

Then there are the newspaper endorsements. This biennial exercise always generates controversy and confusion.

Many readers wrote or telephoned to say they were shocked to see The Advertiser endorse Lingle in the governor's race. Not shocked that it was Lingle, per se, but shocked that we would have the temerity to "tell people how they should vote."

A surprising number of folks contended they were astounded that we chose to endorse, because we have never done so in the past.

Not true.

The Advertiser has consistently endorsed political candidates in election years. And the endorsement is not an attempt to tell people how to vote, but an attempt to explain why we feel a particular candidate — on balance — would be best for the state. The endorsement is, in effect, our analysis of the strengths of the candidate.

Our thinking is that we cannot take stands on issues all year long, insist that people exercise their democratic obligation to vote and then duck the decision ourselves.

One of the most painful aspects of endorsements is that choosing Candidate A does not mean we dislike or disapprove of Candidate B. Often, both candidates are worthy.

But, just like the voters, we get to choose only one. Go out and vote on Tuesday.

Reach Jerry Burris through letters@honoluluadvertiser.com.