Kerry's team will buy ads in Islands
By Derrick DePledge
Advertiser Capitol Bureau
The Democratic National Committee, concerned that the presidential race has tightened in Hawai'i, has purchased local television advertisements to help Sen. John Kerry's campaign.
The decision comes after the Advertiser Hawai'i Poll and other polls found that Kerry and President Bush are in a dead heat in Hawai'i, a state that has traditionally supported Democrats for president.
"This is an indication that John Kerry and the Democrats are not taking a single vote for granted," said Josh Earnest, a DNC spokesman.
Earnest said he could not describe the content or scope of the ads but he acknowledged that Democrats had not invested resources in Hawai'i before because the state was viewed as safe for Kerry. Two local television executives described the ad buy as significant.
The Bush campaign has also contacted local television stations about advertising.
The Hawai'i Poll found that Bush and Kerry were even among likely voters, with 12 percent of voters undecided, an opening that both political parties will try to seize on over the next several days.
Tracey Schmitt, a spokeswoman for the Bush campaign, said the poll is an indication that the president's record and agenda resonate with Hawai'i voters. She said she could not yet talk about media buys or whether a representative of the campaign will visit Hawai'i.
"We've seen the president's momentum in the national race reflected in polls in Hawai'i and we believe we have a real opportunity to be successful in a Democratic stronghold," Schmitt said.
Hawai'i is usually overlooked during presidential elections, because of both its distance from the Mainland and its reputation as a Democratic state. Only two Republicans, Richard Nixon in 1972 and Ronald Reagan in 1984, have won here since statehood. Democrat Al Gore beat Bush 55 percent to 37 percent in Hawai'i in 2000.
But Hawai'i's four electoral votes could have a role in the outcome this year if the election is as close as polls both here and nationally suggest.
Neither Bush nor Kerry has actively campaigned in Hawai'i, although the president stopped on O'ahu last October for fund-raisers. Ads for the candidates that have appeared here on television have been national buys.
U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawai'i, said he has thought for months that the presidential campaign in Hawai'i would be closer than many Democrats believed. He said people are reluctant to oppose the commander-in-chief during wartime but that he believes Kerry still has the advantage.
"You build toward the actual day of the vote," the congressman said.
Schmitt said Gov. Linda Lingle has been a key to the Bush campaign's efforts in Hawai'i and she believes the party has a committed grassroots organization.
"Both campaigns are realizing Hawai'i's in play," said Brennon Morioka, the chairman of the Hawai'i Republican Party.
Brickwood Galuteria, the chairman of the Hawai'i Democratic Party, said the state party is still considering whether to buy local television ads for Kerry. He said he welcomed the national help but still thinks Kerry is in a stronger position here than Bush.
"I'd be very surprised if we lost," Galuteria said.
Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.
