Neil Abercrombie supporters celebrate as the second printout of primary election results show a commanding lead for the candidate.
Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Contributing Editor
Neil Abercrombie, who has spent most of the year trekking back and forth across the state, scored a decisive victory Saturday night, topping Mufi Hannemann for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.
The former U.S. Congressman and the former Honolulu mayor engaged in a couple of months vicious campaigning, sometimes spending more time attacking each other than promoting their own platforms.
Final score: Abercrombie, 19,576; Hannemann, 12,568.
Abercrombie had spent at least one day a week on the Big Island during the last few months, which some supporters said may have been the difference.
Others said it was Abercrombie’s attention to Big Island issues, including small business, agriculture and conservation, that made him the man to beat.
At Abercrombie’s Kona campaign headquarters, two dozen supporters cheered and busted out the non-alcoholic champagne when the results were announced. “There’s your next governor, baby,” one shouted at the TV.
Hannemann had relied on his Big Island connections dating to the 1980s, touted his executive experience and secured a rash of endorsements from unions, newspapers and fellow politicians.
Other Democrats who did not score more than 1% included Arturo Reyes, Van Tanabe and Miles Shiratori.
In the lieutenant governor’s Democrat race, former Democratic Party Chairman Brian Schatz edged out six other candidates.
Over in the Republican governor race, sitting Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona easily out-distanced John Carroll, formerly of the Big Island.
Final score: Aiona, 4,950; Carroll, 303
The Republican Governors Association congratulated Aiona on his nomination as the Republican candidate.
“Duke has an outstanding record serving the state of Hawaii as a Judge and Lieutenant Governor,” said RGA spokesman Chris Schrimpf. “He’s an independent leader who has a plan to bring clean energy, jobs, and a world-class education system to the state.”
Rep. Lynn Finnegan bested Adrienne King for the Republican lieutenant governor slot.
For complete numbers and percentages, see below or visit hawaii.gov/elections/results/2…
* For more election coverage, listen as Hawaii 24/7 Contributing Editor Karin Stanton shares insights on the election Sunday morning on the radio. Stanton joins Island Issues Sherry Bracken to discuss election results at 6:30 a.m. on KKOA 107.7 and at 8 a.m. on LAVA 105.3 FM, or online at www.lava1053.com
click on image above for PDF of results for County of Hawaii. Final printout.
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Both Neil and Duke would serve Hawaii with mature and sincere leadership. Neither is self-centered, self-promoting or blinded by personal gain.
Hawaii’s voters have chosen well.
ONWARD TO NOVEMBER!