SENATOR DAVID IGE ASKS STATE PARTY TO LET THE PEOPLE SPEAK

Abercrombie Receives Letter from Democratic Party Showing Change to Previous Years

News Release from Ige Campaign

(HONOLULU, HI) April 17, 2014-- During the past Democratic Party state conventions one of the most popular business items was hearing from candidates to major elective offices.  Democratic challengers were given the opportunity to address delegates on the same platform as incumbents.

“Today, my campaign submitted a letter (below) requesting that the State Central Executive Committee of Hawaii revise its agenda to provide all candidates to major statewide offices the opportunity to address the convention from the podium. Let the people speak,” said gubernatorial candidate Senator David Ige.

Representatives of Senator Ige’s campaign met today with Dante Carpenter, Sarah Beemer executive of the Democratic Party of Hawaii State Central Committee Chair of the Democratic Party, and Reena Rabago, Democratic Party of Hawaii Pre-Convention Committee Chair.

“A Governor should welcome the opportunity to share the podium with all major office candidates, showing the party and Democrats across the state that we welcome all voices and views.”

April 17, 2014 VIA FACSIMILE:

Ms. Reena Rabago

Democratic Party of Hawaii Pre -Convention Committee Chair

Dear Ms. Rabago,

On behalf of our campaign, thank you for meeting with our representatives today.

The David Ige for Governor campaign recognizes that in past years candidates running for statewide office were allowed the opportunity to address the convention from the podium.

Senator Ige would like this opportunity and requests that in addition to gubernatorial candidates, all democratic candidates for major statewide offices continue to be given the opportunity to share the podium to address convention super delegates.  Hearing from candidates in contested races has always honored the diversity and openness of our party and state especially in primary races.

We acknowledge your concern for shortening the convention to manage costs for Democratic party members. The proposed modification to the agenda stays within the 2-day plan and perhaps you would consider moving the meet and greet to the convention floor as a candidate forum.

Per our discussion on Thursday, April 17, 2014, we look forward to a favorable decision by the State Central Executive Committee on the following recommendations:

A candidate forum to be held on Saturday, May 24 or Sunday, May 25 for a two-hour period on the main floor of the convention, with candidates in the major statewide races be given the opportunity to share the podium to address the full convention, specifically:

• Gubernatorial, congressional, and whoever else the SCC deems appropriate;
• Candidates be given equal time.

Thank you for clarifying that the eight elected officials who are scheduled to speak over the two-day convention will be speaking at various times (not together), will be speaking no longer than 5 minutes each, and speak only on how they have addressed the party’s platform during their current term in office.  The convention chair will remind all speakers that they are to limit their remarks to the party’s business; and not electioneer.

We look forward to hearing from you very soon.

Sincerely,

Keith Hiraoka

Campaign Manager