The election is primary as we "flASHback" on the week’s news that amused and confused.

» The state announced that bottomfishing is now open around Hawaii. What a strange way to say that primary election ballots have been mailed.

» In their last televised debate before the gubernatorial primary, Mufi Hannemann and Neil Abercrombie accused each other of not understanding what a budget is. It’s a financial plan that has plenty of room for your campaign promises — until you’re elected.

» Hawaii News Now tried to liven the debate by letting Abercrombie and Hannemann supporters cheer and jeer. This was to good democracy what "The Gong Show" was to good TV.

» Republican candidate James "Duke" Aiona was endorsed by MMA Hawaii, the state’s largest mixed martial arts organization. If canvassing for votes doesn’t work, now he has supporters who can knock voters to the canvas.

» GOP Chairman Jonah Ka’auwai urged Christians to back Aiona because "neither Mufi Hannemann nor Neil Abercrombie is righteous." He’s confusing this election with the one that ends with white smoke.

» Councilman Rod Tam is under criminal investigation for misusing his meal allowance, and one of the candidates to replace him is in jail for violating an injunction. This is the first election inspired by the movie "Trading Places."

» City Council Chairman Todd Apo is resigning to take a job with the Disney resort at Ko Olina. After six years of working with Rod, Romy and Ann, he’s looking forward to the intellectual stimulation of Mickey, Donald and Goofy.

» A report disputed by opponents said Oahu rail transit will create 120,000 jobs over 10 years. First we’ll see whether it creates jobs for Mufi Hannemann and Kirk Caldwell.

» Mark Recktenwald was unanimously confirmed by state senators as chief justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court. Unlike the jilted Katherine Leonard, he knew the state Bar Association’s secret handshake.

» And the quote of the week … from state Sen. Donna Mercado Kim after hearing that an airport employee who embezzled $15,000 kept getting paid: "Someone who admits to stealing money from the state is put on leave with pay? What message does that send to people out there?" Join the HGEA.

David Shapiro can be reached at volcanicash@gmail.com or blog.volcanicash.net.