Big Men For a Little Guy
Amid all the euphoria at Neil Abercrombie‘s primary election gathering was the odd sight of more than a half-dozen large men in blue jeans and black T-shirts.
The T-shirts read “AFG Security” — which stands for Abercrombie for Governor.
That’s right: The Democratic nominee for Hawaii governor has a security detail.
What gives?
Abercrombie’s campaign said AFG Security is made up of volunteers who help the candidate at large campaign events.
“One person of this group is Neil’s close friend who has worked out with him for many years at the Nuuanu YMCA,” said campaign spokeswoman Laurie Au. “This group first volunteered at the Summer Jam, a concert with Willie Nelson and Willie K at the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, because of the size of the event with more than 5,000 people in attendance.”
The candidate isn’t receiving any threats, is he?
“No threats,” said Au. “(AFG Security) may be volunteering at other events, but we’re still planning events out. If we expect the event to have large crowds (like general election night), then perhaps we will.”
It’s not clear why Abercrombie’s people felt he needed a security detail. Half the audience at the CompUSA building primary night appeared to be past retirement age.
Near the end of the evening, Abercrombie was escorted by his security detail to a TV interview with Ron Mizutani. The phalanx resembled a vertically challenged football coach and his defensive line walking out on the field.
Gov. Linda Lingle has her own official security detail, as does Abercrombie’s opponent, Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona.
Big men, sure — but no matching T-shirts.
