DJOU: STATEMENT ON TODAY’S DEBATE  

Today, Republican Congressional candidate and Honolulu City Councilmember Charles K. Djou debated his two main opponents at a forum jointly sponsored by the Hawaii Realtors Association, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

“I appreciated the opportunity that voters had to see the clear philosophical differences between myself and my opponents.  While Ed and Colleen focused on how well they would work within the Washington system, I am building a campaign focused on changing the system in Washington.  As today’s debate showed, unlike either Ed or Colleen, I oppose the failed $860 billion federal stimulus, and I am the only candidate who supports a moratorium on earmarks,” stated Djou.

"The $862 billion stimulus bill was a failure. Since the stimulus bill passed, 3.3 million people have lost their jobs, including 15,500 in Hawaii, with the national unemployment rate jumping from 8.2% to 9.7%, and the Hawaii rate rising 15% (6.0% to 6.9%).  If elected, I would work to redirect much of that misappropriated money."

"I support a moratorium on earmarks.  Earmarks are often directly exchanged for campaign contributions or other favors.  All candidates should pledge to denounce earmarks, and operate entirely within the regular appropriations process, which involves committee hearings and open votes."

“It is more important that our next Congressman fight to lower taxes and allow Hawaii families to keep more of their money than to elect a Congressman who wants to spend all of your money,” stated Djou.

Djou, a law professor and Army Reserve officer, currently serves on the Honolulu City Council and previously served as the Minority Floor Leader in the State House.  Ballots for the special election will be mailed out on April 30th.  The special election will be “winner-take-all” with all candidates, regardless of party, running in the election and the candidate with the highest votes declared the winner.  Djou is the only major candidate in the Congressional race who lives in the 1st Congressional District, the only Republican, and the only candidate who would have voted against this bill.

www.Djou.com

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