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Sonson hoping
the third time is
the charm

Espero, Blake Oshiro also
leading in Democratic
House primaries

Election Results

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By Pat Omandam
Star-Bulletin

Attorney Alex Sonson is hoping the third time is a charm against Democratic incumbent Roy Takumi. Sonson, who took the early lead tonight, said he worked three times as hard in this campaign than he did in 1998, when he lost to Takumi by less than 10 votes. “We did everything better.” Sonson said he has done his homework and has pinpointed problem areas in the past election. If elected, Sonson said some of his priorities will be worker’s compensation rights, civil service reform and stronger custodial rights for fathers. “We did a good job. We really did a good job.” Sonson spent tonight at home with his family and friends. Sonson had a 350-vote lead over Takumi in a rematch from a close race two years ago for the 36th House District (Pearl City). State Rep. Willie Espero, who was appointed to his Ewa Beach seat last year by Gov. Ben Cayetano, knows the key to victory tonight was to meet as people in his district as he could. Democrat Espero has planned a small gathering at his home tonight with supporters. He had a 227-99 lead in the Democratic primary over Jeff Alexander. District residents had six people to chose from today -- the most in years. “I’m confident but a little nervous,” he said. Espero said he took a long nap this afternoon to rest up for tonight. Moanalua House candidate Randy Kusaka gathered with friends and family at the Moanalua Village Recreation Center tonight. He trailed Democratic challenger Blake Oshiro after the second printout by a small margin. Kusaka, who is a public information officer for the Hawaii Government Employees Association, said he felt compelled to run for the Red Hill-Aiea seat lest it goes to someone who doesn’t know the district. Kusaka said Oshiro just moved into the district this year. Kusaka said he couldn’t let him walk away with the seat formerly held by state Rep. Tom Okamura. “It was like answering the call,” he said. Kusaka said if elected, his goals at the Legislature are education, long term care for the elderly, and the environment.