No new word yet on Mink's condition
By B.J. Reyes
Associated Press
With secrecy still surrounding the health of U.S. Rep Patsy Mink, her Republican challenger in the general elections plans to back off the issue this week, while waiting to hear whether she plans to continue her campaign for a 13th term.
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"I'm going to lay low this week and let the Democrats figure it out," state Rep. Bob McDermott said yesterday.
Little has been known about U.S. Rep Patsy Mink's condition since she was hospitalized Aug. 31.
"I'm going to let the Democrats figure it out," state Rep. Bob McDermott said yesterday.
Despite the questions about her health, Mink, D-Hawai'i, handily won the Democratic nomination for her 2nd District seat in Saturday's primary election.
But little has been known about her health since she was hospitalized Aug. 31 with viral pneumonia stemming from a case of chickenpox. Her office and family will only say she's in serious condition, but on the road to recovery.
Family spokeswoman Joan Manke said yesterday there was no new information on Mink's condition, adding that family members were pleased with the support from voters.
"They appreciate the vote of confidence," Manke said. "They continue to focus on the congresswoman getting better and getting back to work."
In Hawai'i, as in most other states, serious illness or death does not prevent a candidate from winning either the primary or general elections, Attorney General Earl Anzai has said.
Once the primary is over, a candidate could withdraw for medical reasons. But if that withdrawal occurs after Thursday — the deadline for the party to name a replacement — that would leave the party without a qualified candidate in the general election, Anzai said.
That means that if events determine that a replacement is needed, the Democrats must act within four days.
"If they don't, then we come back and we go to work," McDermott said. "She has a constitutional right to privacy, but the people also have a right to someone who can do the job and I guess that's the case we're going to have to make."
At rallies on Saturday and yesterday, Democrats wished Mink a speedy recovery, saying they were looking forward to seeing her back at work soon.
"You don't need to campaign," Gov. Ben Cayetano said of Mink at a Democratic unity rally yesterday. "Your record speaks for itself."
