Posted on: Tuesday, November 2, 2004

EDITORIAL
It's critical that you make your vote count

If there is any doubt in your mind about the importance of today's vote in Hawai'i, just take a look at the numbers.

Polls show Hawai'i voters split down the middle in the presidential race; it's a virtual toss-up. Because of that, and with the race running so tight in other parts of the nation, your vote today is vital.

If there's any doubt on just how important your vote is, ask Vice President Dick Cheney or former Vice President Al Gore. Both made last-minute trips to the Islands despite busy campaign schedules to drum up support for their respective camps. They know your vote matters.

By now, the candidates recognize that most voters have made up their minds. The work now, from presidential through mayoral and down to local legislative races, is not so much to change minds as it is to get out the vote.

With prospects of a tie, or close to it, in the Electoral College, every voter in every state becomes critical.

So the message here is clear: go to the polls today.

A chart on the right reviews the endorsements and recommendations The Advertiser has made in this election. Briefly, here is a review of our recommendations:

Our endorsement for president is based both on the qualities of intellect and courage we've seen in Democrat John Kerry and on our disappointment with President Bush's leadership.

We recognize that the attacks of Sept. 11 changed the national and international landscape. In the days following those attacks, Bush helped bring us together as a country. Bush's leadership in the war in Afghanistan was the right measure of swift action and sound policy.

But that early goodwill, both domestically and internationally, quickly dissipated through active promotion of divisive social policies at home and a "you're-either-with-us-or-against-us" policy abroad.

In so many areas, including those that should be of great interest to working men and women in Hawai'i, John Kerry has the right position.

Consider tax issues. Kerry promises to roll back Bush's tax cuts that benefit the rich.

On social issues, Kerry has taken principled and progressive stands. This includes lifting restrictions on embryonic stem cell research, protecting a woman's right to choose and supporting full reciprocal benefits for same-sex couples.

Kerry has also vowed to work hard to restore the reputation of the United States abroad by returning to a more collaborative and multinational approach, while protecting our troops and our interests.

In the mayor's race, we recommend Mufi Hannemann. We are impressed by his ability to work with many different groups, as illustrated by his endorsements by both labor and business organizations.

While Honolulu is fortunate to have two well-qualified candidates who bring experience and commitment to the task, we feel Hannemann brings the right combination of passion and intellect to the job. He will be an articulate and impressive representative of this great city.

To represent Hawai'i in Congress, we have endorsed Sen. Dan Inouye and Reps. Ed Case and Neil Abercrombie.

Inouye's seniority and his continuing drive to improve the economic and social health of his home state make his re-election imperative.

While Case and Abercrombie differ somewhat on a handful of issues and in their personal political ideology, they have worked well together. Abercrombie has been particularly effective in directing military construction dollars to the state, and Case has brought fresh energy and a thoughtful, moderate approach toward representing his constituency in the 2nd District.

Our endorsements for the Board of Education were based on who we thought could best help the department move forward on reforming our schools through such initiatives as the Reinventing Education Act passed by this year's Legislature.

Herbert Watanabe, Maggie Cox, Denise Matsumoto, Breene Harimoto, Garrett Toguchi, Robert Midkiff and Guy Kaulukukui will bring the right mix of experience and new enthusiasm to the board.

Our other endorsements, including for state House and Senate and on a variety of constitutional and charter amendments, can be found in the chart.

Whether you agree with us or not, the important thing today is to make your voice heard:

Get out there and vote.