Maile Receives "Support with Enthusiasm" from Democratic GLBT Caucus

Click here for the GLBT Caucus list of endorsements. Maile received "Support with Enthusiasm" instead of an "endorsement" because "the Caucus is limited by Party Rules to 'endorse' only candidates where there is no Democratic opposition." Here's the message from the chair:

From: GLBT Caucus Chair
Subject: GLBT CAUCUS RELEASES ENDORSEMENTS
To: "Jo-Ann Adams"
Date: Saturday, August 28, 2010, 6:29 AM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Jo-Ann M. Adams
(808) 479-7857 (cell); (808) 528-2100 (work)
E-mail: JAdamsEsq@aol.com

August 27 2010

DEMOCRATIC GLBT CAUCUS RELEASES ENDORSEMENTS

HONOLULU – The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i issued a statement today:

We are delighted at the number of new Democratic candidates in this year’s primary election. Many support the mission of the Caucus. Some are even willing to challenge incumbents.

Because HB444 passed both Houses in this last biennium, we had extensive voting records for all incumbents. Thus, we were able to supply more descriptive statements of endorsement/support. For example, “with enthusiasm” applied to those who supported the civil unions effort with courageous consistency. The phrase “would like to see more leadership on our issues” applied to candidates who supported HB444 substantively, but occasionally voted against the bill’s procedural progress in line with the wishes of leadership.

For new candidates we conducted interviews, typically with the candidate, though sometimes with campaign staff. Many members of the Caucus are actively working on campaigns and were able to provide personal assessments. For new candidates “with enthusiasm” applied only where the candidate was active in the civil unions effort.

The Caucus is limited by Party Rules to “endorse” only candidates where there is no Democratic opposition; if the Party Rules limit our ability to “endorse”, we issue a statement of “support”.

We thank all of the candidates who made the effort to introduce themselves to the Caucus. The detailed list of endorsements/support statements is attached. In summary, we supported or endorsed candidates in every federal race: Daniel K. Inouye for U. S. Senate; Colleen Hanabusa for the First Congressional District; Mazie Hirono (with enthusiasm) for the Second Congressional District. We supported with enthusiasm Neil Abercrombie for Governor and Gary L. Hooser for Lt. Governor. Of the 15 State Senate races, we endorsed/supported 10 candidates – 5 incumbents and 5 new candidates. Of the 51 State House races, we endorsed/supported 35 candidates – 22 incumbents and 13 new candidates.

For informational purposes only, we made recommendations in selected nonpartisan races where we have familiarity with the candidates. We also identified candidates with a demonstrated record opposing civil unions.