Gov. Neil Abercrombie formally launched his re-election campaign Monday, citing the state’s financial rebound and progress toward his "New Day" agenda as reasons voters should give him a second four-year term.
At a news conference near his campaign headquarters in Kakaako, the governor said state government has moved from a projected budget deficit to a surplus, taken steps to address unfunded liability in the public-worker health care and pension funds, and replenished the rainy day and hurricane relief funds. He also cited new contract agreements with public-sector labor unions that include pay raises after the pay cuts needed to help close a deficit during the recession.
"We’re moving forward," Abercrombie told supporters, who included Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and former Gov. John Waihee. "I promised energy and action as governor. That’s a promise I’m keeping. I believe there’s a new confidence in the air to accompany Hawaii’s new day. Let’s move forward to Hawaii’s bright future together."
Abercrombie has not been able to fulfill many of the major components of his "New Day" agenda, but his campaign will highlight the passage of a civil-unions law, a $200 million settlement with the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs on ceded lands, and marginal progress toward early-childhood education and public-school land redevelopment.
The state’s improved economy, driven by the success of tourism, is likely to be Abercrombie’s signature theme.
Abercrombie, whose job approval ratings have been under 50 percent, dodged a political threat when U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa decided to challenge U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz in the primary next year instead of him.
"I’ve spent my political life not necessarily courting anybody’s approval on any given decision, but trying to figure out what’s the best thing to do to move Hawaii forward, and then let my actions speak for themselves when it comes election time," the governor told reporters.
Abercrombie would not discuss Hanabusa, who has not formally announced her candidacy for U.S. Senate, but he reiterated his support for Schatz. Abercrombie appointed Schatz, his lieutenant governor, to replace the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye in December.
"I think the reasons that I appointed him were solid," he said. "I think that he’s making a case for himself on that. And as far as any possible election challenge is concerned, that remains to be seen. That’s strictly speculation at this point. But I have every confidence that my appointment was for good and solid reasons, and I expect that the people of the state will judge those reasons and vote accordingly."
David Chang, chairman of the state Republican Party, said Abercrombie continues to be among the most unpopular governors in the country. But he conceded that Republicans have not identified a top-tier contender.
"Our bench isn’t as deep as we’d like," he said.
