Polling Numbers Show Race Competitive

From www.Djou.com

A recent poll by the Democratic polling firm, Public Policy Polling, shows that Charles and his likely opponent in the next election, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, are effectively tied in their favorability ratings at 42%, which is an indication that the race will be competitive.

Hanabusa has the lowest favorability rating of all the members of the Hawaii congressional delegation (Inouye 62%, Akaka 48%, Hirono 46%); an indicator that voters may be dissatisfied with her job performance. Click here to see the poll results. Despite having been in office for almost a year, Hanabusa's favorability is far below 50% -- which is a bad sign for an incumbent.

Nonetheless, Hanabusa, who earlier this year (just months after she was elected) was contemplating a run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Akaka, has been investing her time in fundraising.

Interestingly, special interest groups and lobbyists comprised a substantial amount of the funds she raised last quarter (See below for some of the PACs and lobbyists that contributed to Hanabusa's campaign in the three months between July and September 2011).

In contrast to the tens of thousands of dollars Hanabusa received, we received only one $200 PAC contribution. As a result, in the six weeks since Charles announced his candidacy, our campaign received 99% of its fundraising support from regular individuals, who believe in Charles and the work that he accomplished in Congress and the potential for what he could accomplish if given the opportunity.

To compete with the lobbyist and special interest money, we need your help. We know that times are tough, but if ordinary people don't get involved, then we leave it to the special interests to control our government. Charles is doing his part -- he made a commitment to run for this seat, and now we're asking for your help in his absence. If you can give any amount, whether it be $25, $50, $100, or any other amount, it matters.

There are many people who believe the Democratic establishment owns this town; and that a select few should make the decisions for everyone. We don't believe that; and we know you don't either. But, if people don't stand up to support Charles-- whether it be by donating funds or volunteering their time -- things will never change.

Mahalo in advance for your support!

Djou for Hawaii

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Some of Hanabusa's PAC and lobbyist contributions received in the three months between July and September 2011 (List Here):

• Democratic leadership PAC AmeriPAC: The Fund for a Greater America: $6,000
• Seafarers International Union: $5,000
• American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (largest public services employees union) : $5,000
• Alexander & Baldwin: $5,000
• The Walt Disney Company: $5,000
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers: $5,000
• Defense contractor Lockheed Martin's employees PAC: $4,000
• AT&T: $3,000
• John Radcliffe (Hawaii lobbyist): $3,100
• George "Red" Morris, president of Capitol Consultants of Hawaii (Hawaii lobbyist): $2,500
• American Bankers Association: $2,500
• Central Pacific Bank: $2,500
• Defense contractor Raytheon's PAC: $2,000
• Defense contractor BAE Systems: $2,000
• Charles Brain, president of Washington-based Capitol Hill Strategies: $1,195
• Denis Dwyer, Washington-based lobbyist at Williams & Jensen, works on the Honolulu rail project: $1,000
• CBS Corporation: $1,000
• Fortune 500 biotech company Amgen: $1,000
• Engineering and construction firm Parsons Corporation: $1,000
• United Transportation Union: $1,000
• Defense contractor Northrop Grumman's employee PAC: $1,000
• National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association: $1,000
• The American Hospital Association: $1,000
• Ocean-shipping company Horizon Lines: $1,000
• Timothy Lyons, lobbyist for Anheuser Busch Companies: $400
• Daniele Baierlein, lobbyist with the Washington-based firm the Podesta Group: $250