EDITORIAL
Advertiser endorses Case/Matsunaga and Lingle/Tanonaka in primary election

In the Democratic primary for governor and lieutenant governor, The Honolulu Advertiser endorses Ed Case and Matt Matsunaga.

Case and Matsunaga would bring a refreshing combination of new thinking and experience to the ticket. Each man has background as a legislator — an important tool in this highly centralized state.

But more important, Case and Matsunaga bring fresh ways of thinking about the problems and opportunities that face Hawai'i today.

Ed Case Advertiser library photo

It is true that Case is the least experienced of the three leading candidates for governor on the Democratic ticket.

D.G. "Andy" Anderson has decades of experience as a politician, party leader and businessman. The fact that much of that time was spent as a Republican who frequently scored the dominant Democrats for their failure to deal with the state's problems is a consideration, but not a major one. His forceful honesty has been a powerful presence on the campaign trail this year.

Mazie Hirono, the current lieutenant governor, has both executive and legislative experience in her background and certainly has the training and political skills needed to serve as governor. Her record is solid and her personal story compelling.

But both Anderson and Hirono, capable as they are, are captives of their own history. Having been part of the process for so long, they have a stake in where it's been and what it has done.

Nothing wrong with that, but what is needed this year is a different way of thinking; a candidate who has no vested interest in protecting things as they are, or were. Case fits that bill.

Case's mantra is "change," and it is clearly a response to what he has heard and felt on the campaign trail. Hawai'i's voters are ready for a change, ready for a new approach to the way the business of government is conducted.

At the same time, however, they are fiercely protective of certain values — social as well as environmental — that make Hawai'i special.

Case's record and campaign platform suggests he can meet that two-sided test: change in the context of preserving and honoring Hawai'i's values.

In the campaign, Case has insisted that a top priority must be to shrink government to a size the economy can support. That's a worthy goal. If he wins office, he will find it is not as easy as it sounds. But we're confident that Case has the flexibility and confidence to deal with those realities. He will not become stubbornly stuck on a well-worn track.

Ed Case brings energy, excitement and a willingness to do things in new and different ways. He deserves your support in the Democratic primary.

Matt Matsunaga Advertiser library photo

Matt Matsunaga makes a good ticket-mate for Case. His calm, professional approach to the business of legislating and politics will serve him well. He was a capable and courageous co-chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee during difficult times.

Matsunaga has demonstrated an ability to work cooperatively with others, a skill that is essential in a post that is only as useful as the governor allows it to be. His interest in high tech, alternative energy and even peace studies would bring added value if he becomes part of the next administration.

The Republicans

In the Republican primary for governor and lieutenant governor, The Honolulu Advertiser endorses Linda Lingle and Dalton Tanonaka.

Linda Lingle Advertiser library photo

Lingle, who nearly won the governorship four years ago, has, by dint of determination, energy and service, clearly won the right to carry the GOP banner again this year. Her opponent, John Carroll, has run a positive, issues-focused campaign that should add momentum to the overall Republican effort.

The former Maui mayor was until recently chairwoman of the Hawai'i Republican Party. In that role, she helped build the party's strength within the Legislature and its reputation within the community.

A centrist, Lingle helped move her party toward a more moderate political stance on issues that resonate with Hawai'i voters.

Lingle's record on Maui as a mayor and council member suggests that, if she chooses, she would be able to work well with a Legislature likely to be dominated by Democrats.

A brilliant communicator, Lingle would be an excellent salesperson for her administration within the state and for Hawai'i as a whole to the rest of the world.

Four years ago, Lingle's primary campaign theme was that she offered a "change" from the Democrats then in charge. In the four years since, she has sharpened her own issues, developed some exciting ideas and is campaigning more solidly on what she would do right rather than on what others have done wrong.

She clearly is the right person to represent the Hawai'i Republican Party in this election.

Dalton Tanonaka Advertiser library photo

For lieutenant governor on the Republican ticket, The Advertiser endorses Dalton Tanonaka, an enthusiastic and focused newcomer both to politics and the party. A journalist with experience in Hawai'i but more prominently in Asia, Tanonaka wants to convert the lieutenant governor from a ceremonial post to a true working partner with the governor.

He knows Asia well and is eager to sell the Islands in the region and also bring Asian businesses and interest to Hawai'i.

Hawai'i's hope of economic growth depends on its relationship with Asia, and Tanonaka surely has the skills and background needed to make that dream reality.