Obama's Hometown District to go to GOP?

Most Americans would not focus on a Congressional race in a state other than their own, let alone Hawaii. However, a race for President Obama's hometown district is gaining national attention.

Honolulu City Councilman, Charles Djou, is the Republican candidate. The race draws national attention because Democrat Neil Abercrombie, who represents Hawaii's 1st Congressional District which contains Obama's hometown, is stepping down to run for governor. Over the past few weeks, Djou has received endorsements from key Republicans, such as Mitt Romney and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, who have both been picked to run for President in 2012. Romney called Djou "a fiscally responsible conservative who can focus on turning the economy around".

The Democratic candidates include former Representative Ed Case and state Senate President Colleen Hanabusa. In most states, state party leaders select candidates or states hold primaries in the case of special elections. In Hawaii, all three candidates will be on the ballot. Republicans hope that having two Democrats on the ticket will split the vote and allow for Djou's victory. The special election is being held by mail, strangely enough, and will end May 22nd.

Despite confidence from Republicans, the polls aren't real clear. In January, a poll reported that Case had 37%, Hanabusa had 25%, and Djou had 17% of the vote. However, a poll released by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee last week showed Case and Djou tied at 32%, Hanabusa at 27%, and nine percent undecided.





Common Sense- If Djou were to win this special election, it would be a political and moral defeat for Democrats. Politically, it would loosen their grip on the House of Representatives and prove that Democrats have lost tough with the American people. It would also signal a sign of things to come in November with more Democrats losing their seats (and I would love to wipe that stupid smile of Pelosi's face). Morally, if you're Obama, how depressing is it to know that your hometown and place of your birth falls to a Republican? I'm sure many of you say "why would he care" or "it wouldn't affect him". You may be right. He may not show that it affects him but you never really know what's going on inside someones' head now do you? The race is close and there is still over a month to go. Djou needs to stay strong, campaign on the issues that really matter, and not be drawn into petty fights with Democrats when they attack him.