Let's start with the requisite disclaimer: As a pastor and church leader I make it a point to see that my church never endorses candidates or takes partisan sides in elections.We never tell anyone who to vote for. It's important that I make that clear; I write this as a private citizen stating my personal views.
This looks like a really tight election season here in Hawaii. In the race for Governor there could hardly be a clearer choice. On the one hand, the Democrats have a classic old-school liberal/progressive ticket with Neil Abercrombie and Brian Schatz. They are far to the left of me on every social issue -- Abercrombie is pro-choice, and has voted against a ban on partial birth abortion. He voted with the interests of NARAL and Planned Parenthood 100% between 2000-2006. His voting record is supported by the American Civil Liberties Union, which is another way of saying he usually takes the side of the isue I find outrageously liberal. Athough he is a very healthy man, he is still 72 years old. I am not really sure a 72-year-old who has lived the past 20 years primarily in Washington, D.C. has his finger on the pulse of Hawaii's issues, and I am really sure he has missed the decided shift to the right we who live every day here have witnessed.
I never vote for (or against) a candidate because of race or ethnicity, but I really think the current Democratic ticket is a disaster in the way of balance… I speak as a haole here: two white males doesn't exactly suggest the diversity of Hawaii I see in my community, my church and my circle of friends.
On the other hand, the Republicans have a strong ticket led by a youthful Kanaka Maoli with a great personality, great intellect, and deep roots in the community. Duke Aiona is on the right side (pun intended) of the issues I think are of critical importance to Christian conservatives in Hawaii. His Lt. Governor running mate, Lynn Finnegan, is sharp and -- together -- they make an attractive, electable team that reflects the Hawaii I see all around me.
The Djou–Hanabusa race is another really clear left/right, liberal/conservative choice, and the national Democrats have been slinging a lot of mud around trying to discredit a really nice guy, Charles Djou. I really hope he holds and increases his lead and keeps his job.
In my area (Kaneohe - 48th District) I support a Democrat, Ken Ito. He has served this community well for 16 years and has been responsive to the voice of his constituents. When I have contacted him in the past urging him to support positions he has been responsive and his votes have reflected my views more often than not.
So those are my personal choices in key races -- Aiona, Djou & Ito.
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