WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?

HONOLULU—Hawai'i Republican Party Chairman Jonah Ka'auwai released the following statement on the resignation of Rep. Neil Abercrombie:

“The special election to fill Rep. Abercrombie’s congressional seat is an exciting opportunity for Hawai’i Republicans to gain representation in Congress.  The people of Hawai'i are tired of tax and spend policies that leave future generations with a huge financial burden.  Republican Charles Djou is the only candidate in this race who can bring the kind of fiscal accountability to Washington that the people of Hawai'i and the nation deserve.

“I am still confused as to why Abercrombie decided to quit.  Has Mufi’s strong fundraising lead and widespread appeal threatened Abercrombie’s run for governor, so much that he has to bail from one office to run fulltime for another?  Is he so afraid of his vote record and the tough votes that are pending in Congress?  Perhaps he’s embarrassed by the $3.5 million earmark he proposed for a company whose president co-chairs his gubernatorial campaign.   

“I also question Abercrombie’s sincerity for the people of Hawai’i.  While he cites a “deep desire for a change in direction for Hawai’i,” as his motivation to resign, I have little faith he is the man to bring about that change.  With the Office of Elections losing its Chief Elections Officer and struggling for funds, it is the elections officials are incapable of holding this election.  Calls to significantly postpone the special election because of lack of organization and funding will only leave parts of the state without representation in Washington at one of the nation’s most critical times.

“Whether he’s running away from shameful votes in Congress or running for another elected office, one thing is clear—Abercrombie, and other Hawai'i Democrat politicians are always running for something.”

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