Posted on 07/12/2014 11:12:36 AM PDT by Clintonfatigued
The Republican nominee for governor of Hawaii stepped to the podium at a fundraiser for the state GOP, greeted by cheers and a standing ovation. Duke Aiona is the man who "will win, can win," a state senator insisted as he introduced the nominee. And the 200 donors and supporters in the audience apparently agreed.
"I feel so confident right now," Aiona said in a pavilion lit by tiki torches, nestled in a valley on Oahu's North Shore. "This is a statement in and of itself, to have so many people here supporting the Republican Party."
It's an odd sentiment from a GOP pol in one of America's most Democratic-leaning states. Indeed, Hawaii Republicans readily admit they're an endangered species these days: Democrats control the Governor's Mansion, both U.S. Senate seats, and both U.S. House seats. Just one Republican serves in the 25-member state Senate. What's more, this is not Aiona's first try at the governorship: He lost to sitting Gov. Neil Abercrombie by double digits in 2010.
But this year, Abercrombie's unpopularity and a three-way general-election race have combined to open a rare, if narrow, path to a Republican gubernatorial win. Add to the mix that Aiona is a top-tier recruit and has high name ID across the state, and even some Democrats reluctantly acknowledge their problem.
"In the normal course of events, a Republican really shouldn't win," said one Democratic strategist. "But this is decidedly not the normal course of events."
(Excerpt) Read more at nationaljournal.com ...
Victories in Hawaii would be the ultimate kick in the pants for Obama personally. I hope we get it. Electing Duke Aiona and Charles Djou should be a top priority for that reason alone.
Yeah, but the RINOs in charge of the “current” Republican party will deem him less worthy and therefore cast “all” of their remaining power to try and defeat him.
he must not succeed!
All he has to do is call the Tea Party a bunch of racists and the GOPe will fall in love with him.
Of all the states in the union that should be protective of States Rights, you would think Hawaii would top that list.
Didn’t Hawaii have a female Republican governor before Abercomie? (sp) If I’m correct - I think she was a huge RINO. For some reason the name Linda comes to mind - (not Graham).
Duke sure is easy on the eyes!
Hawaii,, a bastion for libs for years,, under assault..
UH oh.. Pele wants more virgins sacrificed
But few are to be found..
I don’t care. Those “Republicans with a chance” are all liberals, right?. I am not going to expend any time thinking about it.
Obama will offer some carrots to HA to keep it blue.
Thanks Clintonfatigued. It’s a three way race?
It’s Hawaii and not as strategic to their plans ... Unless those plans have to do with having GOPe fact-finding meetings in Hawaii.
Linda Lingle.
This guy was her Lt Gov.
He lost last time out after Lingle’s two terms.
That means more female votes.
That is Exactly what my GOP Rep said to me...
It’s Hawaii and not as strategic to their plans ... Unless those plans have to do with having GOPe fact-finding meetings in Hawaii.
Nice you're confident, sweetheart----but you guys better keep an eye on the Dems---the voter fraud machine is going to be at Mach One speed.
Agree. Native Hawaiians would know better than I would how likely that is to happen, but it seems like it would play well with many there.
Ship some Homeless kids to Hawaii-—let them tave a few thousand to pay for.
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