Isle caucuses are historic opportunity

Republicans in 10 states took part in Super Tuesday’s presidential nominating contest, nudging Mitt Romney a step closer to the goal, but Hawaii GOP voters will have an opportunity next week to play a direct role for the first time. Enough doubt exists about the final outcome that Hawaii Republicans should be encouraged to show up at caucuses and cast their votes for 17 delegates pledged to their favorite candidates at the national convention’s first ballot.

In past years, Hawaii Republican caucus voters would gather in homes, businesses or other places to elect delegates to the state convention. The non-binding delegates then would pick their own choices for president at that convention.

In 2008, the Hawaii votes went entirely for Sen. John McCain of Arizona. The caucuses were described by one party leader as "really casual and fun," but that has changed for the more serious good.

On Tuesday, the Republican Party will hold rank-and-file caucuses from 6 to 8 p.m. in each of Hawaii’s 51 state House districts.

Any registered Hawaii voter with a photo identification may fill out a Republican party card and vote for one of the candidates — Romney, Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich or Ron Paul.

The votes will determine who will represent Hawaii at the Republican National Convention at Tampa, Fla., to cast 17 of the state’s 20 votes (at least three from each state will be by unpledged party leaders).

That may seem trifling in a race involving 2,286 votes, including bonus ballots rewarded to states that have gone red in past elections, but it is enough in a tight race to make participation meaningful.

Romney has more delegates than his competitors combined, but it’s not too late for the momentum to change. While 22 states have completed their Republican caucuses or primary elections, two-thirds of the convention votes are yet to be determined, including 413 votes to be decided in California, Texas and New York.

Former Hawaii congressman Charles Djou has endorsed Romney.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle, a candidate for U.S. Senate, has not chosen her favorite candidate. Her primary opponent, John Carroll, has endorsed Paul, who began airing 30-second television ads on Thursday and has scheduled a campaign event today in Waikiki, hosted by oldest son Ronnie and campaign manager John Tate.

Democrats set a record of 37,000 voters four years ago at caucuses supporting Honolulu-born Barack Obama, but a relaxed few will gather Wednesday at precinct meetings to formally back him for a second term as president.

Attention next week will be focused on the GOP, a rare occurrence in Hawaii, and a welcome one, too.