(Scroll down for AP article: "Hannemann won't divulge positions on hot issues")
Hawaii Republican Party Chair Jonah Ka`auwai sent out the following email today:
Dear HRP members and supporters,
I know that Mufi Hannemann is a professional. He plays the political game to win no matter the cost. His recent strategy to evade taking a stand on the moral issues of civil unions, traditional marriage and the right to life will cost him dearly.
To the majority of Hawai'i voters, faith and moral values are important in defining one’s character. Hannemann has been aggressively courting the faith-based community as he prepares to make a run for governor, but what do his political games show about his character?
Please read the full press release below for my full thoughts on the article “Hanneman won’t divulge positions on hot issues.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
HANNEMANN PLAYS POLITICS AND DODGES THE ISSUES
Mayor Mufi Hannemann is a perfect politician. If you want people to like you, don’t tell them what you are for.
When asked about controversial social issues, such as civil unions, traditional marriage, and right to life, Republican candidates for Governor - - James “Duke” Aiona and John Carroll - - never hesitated to let the voters know where they stand. Even Democrat Rep. Neil Abercrombie, whose Party line views on these issues remains in stark contrast to the Republican gubernatorial candidates, laid his opinions on the line for all to see.
We shouldn’t have to applaud political candidates for being sincere on the “hot button” topics but it’s refreshing to see there are still some politicians willing to tell it like it is.
Then, there’s Hannemann. Given the same opportunity to define his moral beliefs, he flat out played politics and dodged the question. When a candidate is willing to fund-raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to fuel his campaign for governor, he should at least be willing to let voters know here he stands on the most contentious issues of our time. He refused. What kind of leadership is that?
Mufi Hannemann, what do you stand for? Why should voters trust a candidate that can’t give an honest, heartfelt answer to a straightforward question?
Jonah Ka' auwai
State Chairman Hawai`i Republican Party
Democrat Borreca: 'Third rail' of isle politics (Gay Marriage) looms just over horizon
When last addressed in May, the swirling, hot-button issue of legalizing civil unions or same-sex marriage or expanding reciprocal benefits was left on the floor of the Senate, which had amended House Bill 444. The bill never made it out of the Senate; it needs another Senate vote, then would head back to the House for another vote.
The bill has an effective date of Jan. 1, 2010, which means if it passes unamended, it will have taken effect before passed into law. Depending on how much you believe in time travel, this is either a fatal flaw or not, but it does give reason to amend the bill and increases the likelihood it will wind up in a conference committee.
To make matters even more interesting, possible candidate for governor Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who is quietly building support within conservative Christian groups, is expected to be on the other side of the issue from U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, who says same-sex marriage is a civil rights issue.
(Typical Borreca: Duke Aiona? Who's that?)
RELATED: Psychologists dump 'Gay Gene' theory
Hannemann won't divulge positions on hot issues
By Herbert A. Sample, Associated Press Writer (from Delaware Online: THE source for Hawaii News. Notice how the Advertiser and SB skipped this AP article? It doesn't fit the Democrat Playbook so it doesn't go in the SB or HA. Short version is posted at KPUA.)
HONOLULU — Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who earlier this year raised almost $660,000 for an expected gubernatorial campaign in 2010, refused Monday to disclose his positions on same-gender civil unions, gay marriage and abortion rights.
Hannemann campaign spokeswoman Elisa Yadao was asked to provide the mayor's positions on the three hot-button issues. She responded in an e-mail: "As Mufi is not an official candidate, we are not participating in stories featuring candidates who have announced their intention to run for governor."
"That's a pretty lame defense," said University of Hawaii political scientist Dan Boylan.
"If people are giving money to him on the possibility that he may be running for governor next year, he's got a responsibility to speak to the issues that are definitely going to be there, just as they were in a very hot fashion just this last (legislative) session," Boylan added.
Hannemann's refusal to state his positions contrasts with three other all-but-official gubernatorial candidates: U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, who is seeking the Democratic nomination, and Republican contenders Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona and lawyer John Carroll.
During the Legislature's contentious debate last spring over a measure allowing same-gender couples to enter into civil unions, Abercrombie submitted testimony supporting the bill. Carroll submited one in opposition, and Aiona testified against it before a state House committee.
Asked about the bill last winter as it moved through the Legislature, GOP Gov. Linda Lingle refused to describe her position. The bill is on hold in the state Senate.
Aiona and Carroll also favor defining marriage as between a man and a woman, and oppose abortion rights, though Carroll said he once was staunchly pro-choice. Abercrombie supports abortion rights and gay marriage.
Boylan attributed the Hannemann campaign's refusal to divulge his positions to the mayor's religious faith. Hannemann is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which opposes abortion rights and gay marriage but takes no position on civil unions.
Hannemann might face resistance in a primary election race against Abercrombie for the Democratic nomination if it turns out he opposes abortion rights, civil unions and/or gay marriage, Boylan said.
Still, Boylan added, "He's got to answer (the questions) at some point."
Activists on both sides of the civil union measure said they are unaware of Hannemann's view on the issue.
"Hannemann has no track record," said Garret Hashimoto, chairman of the Hawaii Christian Coalition and an Aiona supporter.
Term limits prevent Hannemann from seeking a third mayoral term in 2012. But an exploratory committee for a 2010 governor's race has been set up on his behalf. Its Web site includes Hannemann's biography and lists of his "accomplishments" on a number of subjects, including public safety, roads and the city budget.
The mayor's campaign war chest had almost $1.2 million as of June 30.
No one can officially file as a candidate in the 2010 elections until February 1. Still, Abercrombie, Aiona and Carroll have said they definitely are running for governor.