The enormous importance of voting in the upcoming 2nd District primary on Aug. 11 is that we are about to choose the successor to Mazie Hirono in Congress and, yes, that is Patsy Mink's former seat.
Many people have expressed so much fear that Mufi Hannemann will be elected that they have been swayed into supporting Tulsi Gabbard even though Esther Kia'aina is the far more experienced and progressive choice. Read about her more than 20 years' experience in D.C. and Hawaii at kiaaina.com/about-esther-2/.
I've done my homework on Tulsi and what I learned is scary. Check out her record here at www.dailykos.com/story/2012/01/20/1056467/-Tulsi-Gabbard-The-Curiously-Conservative-and-Nepotistic-Network-of-a-Democratic-Candidate and at www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/13/1063158/-What-s-the-matter-with-Kailua-Still-More-on-Tulsi-Gabbard-s-Fundraising.
I was taught to vote for the best candidate, no matter what. That way, you can at least know, in your heart, that your vote was not wasted. Voting for Tulsi because she's the only one who has a chance of beating Mufi is the coward's way out. Anyone can beat Mufi when more voters act.
If progressive and liberal votes are split between Esther and Tulsi, and Mufi gets elected, at least we are certain he will remain a Democrat for the remainder of his term. Do you really feel as sure of Tulsi? Vote for Esther.
Nadine "Nai'a" Newlight
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