Hand Delivered
September 20th, 2010
By B.J. Reyes
By B.J. Reyes
The Republican gubernatorial ticket of Duke Aiona and Lynn Finnegan yesterday called on opponents Neil Abercrombie and Brian Schatz to engage in a series of six debates leading up to the Nov. 2 General Election.
Today, Aiona followed it up with a hand-delivered letter to the Abercrombie campaign:
Abercrombie’s campaign advisers said they planned to engage in debates with their opponent but would not commit to a series or any specific topics.
Posted in In Politics | 13 Comments »
Political Radar
September 20th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
Well, give Duke credit for taking the initiative and trying to frame the debate, so to say. But Abercrombie’s not likely to let him set the schedule, substance, or tone. With his landslide margin of victory, he won’t be in any hirry to give Duke a platform.
And what’s with the “Dear Congressman” salutation? Hellooooooo, Neil’s a civilian these days. For that matter, Duke is the Republican candidate for Governor and not writing in his capacity as “Lt. Governor.”
September 20th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
Hey Duke,
Are you the stroker calling the pace? That’s fine, as long as Neil’s the steersman, take whatever position you like on our Va’a. I’m usually in seat four because of my size.
September 21st, 2010 at 12:40 am
abercrombie would be foolish to debate. first of all, he really does not know the issues intricately enough, all he has is his 23 page, new day. These are just general statement with no detailed plans behind them. second, he has the dems on his side and it is unlikely they would switch over and vote for aiona, lingle was too much; and people want a change.
September 21st, 2010 at 1:25 am
An interesting approach by Aiona. If Abercrombie shies away from taking the bait, then, of course, Aiona will accuse Abercrombie of “ducking.” Abercrombie should say that he’s willing to do 12 debates, two hours in length, free flowing with questions from each other and from the audience.
I suspect Aiona will decline the proposal.
September 21st, 2010 at 2:36 am
“Abercrombie’s campaign advisers said they planned to engage in debates with their opponent but would not commit to a series or any specific topics.”
Wasn’t that the same thing that Abercrombie’s camp criticized Mufi Hannemann for before the primary?
Since Neil seemed so eager to debate Mufi before the primary, I hope he’ll commit to debating Duke several times before the general.
September 21st, 2010 at 8:11 am
Hope Duke is ready to discuss why his & Lingle’s administration destroyed the historic preservation department at DLNR. That should be on the list of “Native Hawaiian” issues.
Maybe Duke will also come clean during the debates about his associations with the cult leader Ed Silvoso, and just how much influence Ed will have over an Aiona administration’s policies.
September 21st, 2010 at 6:05 pm
Duke Boy would b wise to debate no ons until he loses the embarrassing Pidgin that runs through his da kine mouth.
September 21st, 2010 at 6:47 pm
Duke is doing what every candidate who is way behind does: call for a debate. He hopes that some how a debate will change many voters minds. His problem is that as LG, he did not distinguish himself in any way.
For example: his so-called Drug General Plan got nowhere. Since the LG’s office no longer administers the elections office, this left Duke with nothing to do except substitute for Lingle at social gatherings.
September 21st, 2010 at 9:44 pm
I propose Neil agree to the same format Aiona used in his debates with John Carroll. That makes it easy.
September 21st, 2010 at 10:49 pm
Duke, be careful what you wish for.
September 22nd, 2010 at 1:52 am
I agree with Kolea, or Neil should just respond to the forum invitations the way Duke did over the last seven months– just say no.
September 22nd, 2010 at 6:45 am
LOL @ Neil’s camp!
The guy is obviously scared to face Aiona, who is better informed on the issues, and knows more about how to fix the state. I hope neil accepts so Hawaii can see him for who he truly is
September 22nd, 2010 at 10:01 am
Aiona wants to debate about the most important issues facing our working families and small businesses — and somehow that’s irrelevant? Unnecessary?
It wasn’t that long ago that Neil was calling out Mufi to debate him, but Mufi was the one exhibiting caution, resistance and hesitance. Slippah’s a little snug on the other foot, I guess.
What I don’t understand is why even Neil supporters wouldn’t want his allegedly “detailed” (I think there are vast, Waimea-Canyon Sized areas of question in it) plan shouldn’t be subjected to some critical questions.
Abercrombie seems content with the lack of substance and detail that characterized his primary election.
It was reported recently that Abercrombie said it’s not his “job” to debate Duke. Well what exactly IS your job then? You’re unemployed for pete’s sake! This campaign must be about issues in order for the people of Hawai‘i to make an informed decision on their choice for Governor.
Our working families and small businesses are facing big challenges — we want to know how he’ll accomplish all the promises he’s making.
And in fairness, we want to hear more details about questions we all probably have about Aiona too, including how he’ll implement HIS plan.
Aiona’s challenge is for six in-depth debates, each focusing on a different issue per week beginning this Friday with jobs and the economy.
What the heck is wrong with that? Is Abercrombie so wrapped up in numbers and polling and calculations that he just can’t plainly show up someplace for one hour to talk about this stuff? That’s weak, if true.