Democrats try to overcome scorched earth campaigns to refocus on November challenge

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September 18, 2010 – Hilo, Hawaii

Video by David Corrigan

Kamehameha Avenue was was overrun by honking horns, colored signs and raucous cheering on Friday evening. State Democrats heeded the call to gather for the Grand Rally – Hilo’s election-time tradition that is held faithfully on the eve of the September Primary.

Most of the space along the highway was taken by supporters of gubernatorial candidates Mufi Hannemann and Neil Abercrombie (the night’s “main event”), with the red t-shirts on the mauka side of the road, white t-shirts makai. Despite the obvious division, it was a Democratic love-fest at the customary candidate speeches held beneath the Mooheau Bandstand later in the evening.

Those who expected a verbal bloodbath between the two gubernatorial candidates (even Colleen Hanabusa admitted she “came to see Neil and Mufi”) were instead treated to a measured display of support for one another, as the party already appeared to be planting the seeds of unification before heading into the general election.

The promise to heal wounds, even in the midst of continued attack advertisements, was expressed not only by the two candidates, but by others running on the same party ticket. Mayor Billy Kenoi, not running for any office but representing U.S. Senator Dan Inouye’s bid for re-election, reminded the crowd of President Obama’s primary election opponent – and eventual Secretary of State – Hillary Clinton.

After the candidates made their final pre-election appeal to voters, they joined the crowd in clasping hands for Hawaii Pono’i, before facing their political fates the next day.

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