Archive

Hannemann's dream could become nightmare

All the indications are that Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann is circling Dec. 6, 2010, as the day he becomes governor -- but he may want to keep the Wite-Out close at hand.


Lingle on a good day still the Great Communicator

Politics is all about communication. If folks are nodding their heads up and down, you are a step closer to getting their vote. So it is a wonder that Gov. Linda Lingle can on some days be the pitch-perfect one-on-one communicator, while on other days she is channeling Big Brother in the famous Macintosh tv commercial "1984."


Race for Abercrombie's seat should be exciting

In the embarrassment of riches that is the 2010 election season, it is easy to overlook some of the political gems.


Someday our legislators must learn to say 'No'

The adults down here at the state Capitol are worried.


'Third rail' of isle politics looms just over horizon

Sitting just over the horizon but looming closer is the biggest smash-mouth political fight that nobody wants. The issue is same-sex marriage and by Jan. 20, 2010, it will be back before the Legislature.


Polls in governor's race too sketchy to count on

For political candidates the only question is: "Who loves you?"

Once love is assured, the upwardly mobile politician gets the word out to as many people as possible, giving rise to the election tactic of poll leaking.


NIMBY outlook changes with the economic times

There is nothing like a long-lasting recession to clear the mind and set priorities.


Yes, binding arbitration may cost state in the end

In July of 2003 the state Legislature's Democrats sealed the economic fate of Republican Gov. Linda Lingle and to a large degree set in motion today's looming public worker debacle.


Money does the talking, but votes do the walking

It has always been a great puzzlement that in a state with such a consistently lousy voter turnout, we both dearly love to talk politics and our politicians are able to convince somebody to pay for their multimillion-dollar campaigns.


Candidates should explore solutions, not self-success

This is the season to explore.

Politicians, like so many horses in a herd, raise their heads and sniff the winds awaiting direction. Will they go right, go left, turn back home or dash out for new ground?