The Blue Aiona and The Red Abercrombie
One is a liberal. The other is a conservative.
That much is certain about the two leading candidates for Hawaii governor, Democrat Neil Abercrombie and Republican James “Duke” Aiona.”
But a closer examination of their records reveals that Aiona isn’t always as red as he may seem and Abercrombie isn’t always as blue.
Sure, Aiona is conservative on taxes, government spending, small business and civil unions. But he’s broken with his own boss, Gov. Linda Lingle, on the Akaka bill, a national Native Hawaiian recognition measure opposed by many Republicans.
And yes, Abercrombie takes liberal positions on guns, abortion, health care and civil liberties. But he’s sided with Republicans when it comes to lifting the estate tax burden on small business people.
Civil Beat reporter Chad Blair has combed through the records of both candidates and today he launches a four-day series looking in greater depth at not just the predictable aspects of the candidates’ records, but at where they may break the pattern.
Learn about Abercrombie’s Shades of Red, on topics such as the military, the estate tax and same-sex marriage and also about how he stood alone on a controversial vote on aid for the Palestinian government.
Learn about Aiona’s Shades of Blue, on topics such as the Akaka Bill, the homeless, clean energy and sustainability and healthy lifestyles.
