Abercrombie Can't Use Federal Cash for Hawaii Gov. Race

By Rachel Kapochunas | August 12, 2009 11:08 AM | | Comments (1)

Hawaii's Campaign Spending Commission has ruled that Democratic Rep. Neil Abercrombie is not permitted to transfer more than $900,000 in federal funds to his 2010 campaign for governor, according to the Honolulu Advertiser.

According to the Advertiser, Abercrombie's staff responded that the ruling was unfair because it benefits state and local politicians, who are permitted to transfer funds remaining from their previous races in the state. Abercrombie's campaign reportedly has yet to decide whether they will appeal.

Abercrombie, who is serving his 10th full term in office, is a fixture in Hawaii politics and a strong fundraiser, but Tuesday's decision sets him behind his potential challengers in early fundraising dollars.

Abercrombie faces a potential primary challenge from Democrat Mufi Hannemann, the mayor of Honolulu, who is exploring a bid but is expected to formally enter the race. And Republican Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona is vying for the GOP nomination.

Abercrombie reported $389,000 on hand through June 30 in his gubernatorial account. Hannemann reported $1.2 million on hand and Aiona reported $871,000 on hand through the same period, according to reports filed with the Campaign Spending Commission.

A DailyKos/Research 2000 poll conducted June 15-17 found Abercrombie led Hannemann among likely primary voters 42 to 22 percent with 36 percent undecided. And in a general election match-up, Abercrombie led Aiona 45 to 36 percent with 19 percent undecided.

Democrats are eager to reclaim the seat of governor in Hawaii. The current governor, Republican Linda Lingle, is a moderate and defied the state's Democratic trend by winning election in 2002 and re-election in 2006.

Barack Obama, who was born in Hawaii, received 72 percent of the state's vote in the 2008 presidential election.

CQ Politics rates the race Democrat Favored.

To follow the 2009 and 2010 governors' races, check out CQ Politics' election map.

More from CQ Politics

Categories: Governor, Hawaii

Tags: Abercrombie, Aiona, Hannemann, Lingle

    Comments

  1. Gee, what a shame. Is Hawaii where old Berkeley-ites go to retire?

    Posted by: NObama Author Profile Page | August 13, 2009 9:00 AM

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