New poll Sunday night gives Ige an 18% lead over Abercrombie.

#1 reason respondents gave for liking Ige:  They dislike his opponent!!


                             

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/26186201/hawaii-poll-ige-holds-double-digit-lead-over-abercrombie-in-governors-primary

New poll Sunday night gives Ige an 18% lead over Abercrombie.

#1 reason respondents gave for liking Ige:  They dislike his opponent!!

                             

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/26186201/hawaii-poll-ige-holds-double-digit-lead-over-abercrombie-in-governors-primary

From the article:

"In a three-way race with Independent Mufi Hannemann, Aiona wins. He beats Abercrombie by 15 points, and Ige by seven. Hannemann's numbers hold steady at 14 or 15 in these match ups."

* * * * *

Of course the general election is a long way off, and at some point before then it's possible one or more of the candidates might (unintentionally?) say something specific and detailed about what they intend to do and how much it will cost Hawaii taxpayers (e.g. If Aiona does as he says he is going to take 25% of the state corporate income tax for "low income housing"; how does he make up that money for the general fund?), which might change the numbers dramatically. I suspect, as usual, that generic vague general platitudes will be forthcoming unless someone gets desperate and believes they need to say something specific to make a move when down in the polls. That or mudslinging.

I also note in looking at details of the polling that 1. it seems to be of the general public, and not "registered voters", or "likely voters", and 2. some of the categories have plus/minus margin of error of up to 22% (and in the range of plus/minus 10 is not uncommon), so this poll might not be all that accurate... but the primary race for the Dems seems to be close.

Oh, and no mention of Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Jeff Davis at all. Not the he is really that much of a libertarian in some ways (but that's another story).

Okay, I just finished wading through the Ige site. There is an "Action Plan" that outlines in very general terms what his goals are in various categories (Budget, Economy, Health Care, Education, etc.). While there is nothing there specific in terms of an actual legislative proposal, there is enough information to clearly determine that his solutions to all our problems is further government involvement. "We are the government, and we are here to help you." He has some platitudes about education, but clearly states that no government monies ought to be used to fund private education, specifically pre-schools. In other words, you have to pay your taxes, which are used for a corrupt and incompetent public education system, but if you want to opt out of that and get a decent education for your children in a private school, well, you have to pay for that 100% out of your own pocket too. Typical Democrat (same with health care, environment, .energy, agriculture, etc.). His "Open Government" section makes no mention of instituting term limits, initiative, referendum, or recall... Hawaii being the ONLY state in the union that has NONE of those options... i.e. options that might make some politicians be somewhat accountable to the citizens who pay their salaries and benefits.

No mention of Second Amendment issues anywhere that I could see. Also, interestingly, no way to contact them via email and ask them a question. The only two options for email contact are 1. "Donate Here" and 2. "Volunteer Here". I'll be calling the campaign office (808 462-4567) later today and ask them about his positions on  Second Amendment issues, specifically making Hawaii a "shall issue" state by conforming to the Peruta decision.

Update (9:45 AM Monday August 4) re Ige Second Amendment positions:

Just got off the phone with someone at his campaign headquarters. She never heard of and didn't know what "CCW" meant, never heard of "Peruta" etc., but she did seem interested (that's her job) to hear more about it and suggested I write asking for clarification/information. She said the email address is info@davidige.org (or maybe info@DavidIge.org)... I wrote both addresses asking for info, and will post anything I get back.

#1 reason respondents gave for liking Ige:  They dislike his opponent!!

Their wording is far too mild.  I push the boundaries of the 2A Hawaii rules as it is with profanity, or I might attempt to describe my opinion of the smelly little troll Ige is running against.

I wrote an email to his Senate addy.  Hopefully he'll give us a written statement.

I have not heard anything back from either candidate yet. What does that say?

I have not heard anything back from either candidate yet. What does that say?

"Ainokea"?

Neither Aiona nor Ige responded to my clear questions about their specific support for Second Amendment rights, including whether as governor they would attempt to have Hawaii conform to the Peruta decision and the Constitutions of both Hawaii and the United States re the right to bear arms outside the home.

Ige's organization did find the time to send me 4 emails in 4 days about voting for him, though.

I'm going to re-send the questions noting my vote in November will likely hinge on their answers. I strongly suspect, however, that for both of them: ainokea. Other than their canned "I support the Second Amendment". Yeah, right.

When in back at my desk I'll try to contact Duke.  Send PM's as to what specifically you are interested in finding out.   He was my coach awhile back and considered a family friend.

Maybe we should have a poll to see how many of us vote that are on this forum.  If we had some numbers I bet we would hear back from politicians faster,  rather than just a few of us sending emails.   Just a thought.

Maybe we should have a poll to see how many of us vote that are on this forum.  If we had some numbers I bet we would hear back from politicians faster,  rather than just a few of us sending emails.   Just a thought.

Probably more effective if HDF or HRA backing vice bunch of dudes on forum.

Probably more effective if HDF or HRA backing vice bunch of dudes on forum.

The bunch of dudes on this forum have some pull.  Don't underestimate 2AHawaii.   

I agree that having some type of organization backing/standing up for the interests of the 2a community would be preferred,  but I can't help but look at how many members are apart of this forum (over 2k) and that doesn't include the guests that visit here.  If those numbers represented voters we would have a better chance voicing our concerns.  I would love to see the HRA more visible on this forum, as they seem to have a lot of resources and information.

Probably more effective if HDF or HRA backing vice bunch of dudes on forum.

Yeah, that's the sad part. They only care about getting elected. If a single citizen asks them a question concerning the politician's seriousness about abiding by the sworn oath of office to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of Hawaii", including the uninfringed right to keep and bear arms, well, it might not be worth their time to give a truthful, meaningful, and accurate answer because it's only one (or a few) vote(s). The fact that they likely support Hawaii laws, regualtions, policies and procedures that make a mockery of those Constitutions doesn't really matter compared to getting elected. Besides, gun nuts. And the children.

I agree that having some type of organization backing/standing up for the interests of the 2a community would be preferred,  but I can't help but look at how many members are apart of this forum (over 2k) and that doesn't include the guests that visit here.  If those numbers represented voters we would have a better chance voicing our concerns.  I would love to see the HRA more visible on this forum, as they seem to have a lot of resources and information.

Well, politicians are accustomed to dealing with entities, not 'random groups of private citizens'.

For example, 22nd Welders Union of Waipahu supports me? Great that means all their members + friends + family will probably vote for me; since they are an organization they likely have an effective, practiced means of disseminating information to their members who will act in their collective self-interest, etc. etc.. (Whether that's true is often immaterial, perception matters)

Group of 200 people from Waipahu supports me? Well that's cool.. but who are these people? If they're serious why aren't they organized? Will they melt away by next week? etc..

Which isn't to say that 200 dudes from Waipahu can't be taken seriously etc.. but if you want to be taken seriously organizing is one way of showing you are serious. I realize this may sound silly and ridiculous but this is how politicians work...  I mean look at the Tea Party.. not to start that conversation, but when they first formed up nobody in the 'mainstream' (including politicians) took them very seriously.. Once they became more established and organized? Different story.

It's all marketing ultimately. So you approach it as 'The Second Amendment Fora of Hawai'i wants to interview you and establish your position so we can look to supporting you in this election..

vice..

hey we're a bunch of dudes on this internet forum that want to know what you're going to do for us.

which really is not actually that different, but it's all in how you brand it. first one sounds more impressive and organized.

New poll Sunday night gives Ige an 18% lead over Abercrombie.

#1 reason respondents gave for liking Ige:  They dislike his opponent!!


                             

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/26186201/hawaii-poll-ige-holds-double-digit-lead-over-abercrombie-in-governors-primary

Yeah I mean who cares if this new guy's ideas are any good? He says different things... and he's not THAT guy we have now! So.. logically he must be better.

It's sad that this is where the democratic experiment has led us.

No need any other stats... 2ahawaii.com got [correction] 12 million views in 2013 and it's increasing.