by Dylan Nonaka, Executive Director, Hawaii GOP

When asked last week if he thought he was on the right track regarding the state budget, Governor Abercrombie said, “So I feel we’re on the right track. I think we’re taking the right approach.”

Really, Governor?  Recent polling data reveals the dire straights that Governor Neil Abercrombie’s approach is in.  A poll done for the Daily Kos by Public Policy Polling showed that Abercrombie is down to a 48% approval rating. This is after receiving almost 58% of the vote last November.  In addition, this poll seems to have under-sampled Republicans so even with a friendly sample, he is below 50%.

We have additional polling data that highlights the failure of the Governors economic policies.  When registered voters statewide were asked if the Governor is taking the economy in the right direction, 67% of the respondents felt that he was not.

Despite all this, Democrats are showing how out of touch they are by continuing to push for an increase in the General Excise Tax.  Yesterday, the only two organizations to testify in person in favor of the GET increase was the Hawaii Democratic Party and the HGEA.  That, in and of itself, paints a very clear picture. 

You might be asking, "Why does this matter, we are stuck with this guy for four years?"  Although Neil Abercrombie will occupy the "5th floor" until 2014, we need to remember that all 51 State Representatives and 25 State Senators will be up for election next year; we also have an open US Senate race and possibly one or two open Congressional races. 

Every single Hawai'i resident will be adversely affected by the Abercrombie's harmful policies.  He driving us towards toward a cliff. We need your help today to work with us to ensure Hawai'i citizens won't go over the edge.

During the eight years of the Lingle Administration, many people forgot what it was like to live under absolute Democrat government dominance and one party rule. Statewide, people are now experiencing the bad old days of putting the unions first and back room deals dominating government decisions.

Now, more than ever, people know that a solid two-party system is critically important to build and sustain a strong future for our state.

It's not too early to think about 2012. We must work hard today for a better tomorrow!

Here are a few ways you can make a difference:

• Get in touch with your House District or County Chair to see how you can get involved. 
• Sign on to help a candidate or encourage people who you think would make a good candidate to run. 
• Our State Convention is coming up next month, consider attending to meet party leaders and activists from across the state. 
• Get a friend or fellow conservative to join the party.
• Make a contribution so we can continue to spread the word and fight for our values.

Mahalo for your steadfast support of the Hawai'i Republican Party and I look forward to seeing or speaking with you soon.

Mahalo,

Dylan Nonaka

Executive Director

Hawai'i Republican Party