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The name game:
Bush, Gore split
the ‘Bush’ vote

Some islanders sharing
surnames with the presidential
candidates vote for their
namesake but others
cross over

General Election Guide
State Office of Elections

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By Rosemarie Bernardo
Star-Bulletin

WHEN Edward George Bush of Hawaii Kai makes a bank transaction, tellers usually ask whether he's related to the presidential candidate. "It happens all the time," said Edward, who does plan to vote for George Bush.

But Hawaii residents who share the same surname as George W. Bush and Al Gore don't necessarily feel moved to vote for their possibly distant cousins for president. Likewise, residents and passersby on two Honolulu streets that share the candidates' names -- Bush Lane and Gore Way -- say they'll make up their own minds as well.

"It seems to me Bush comes across more convincingly than Gore," said Edward, 65, who agrees with Bush's political views on Social Security, Medicare and prescription drugs. "Having Medicare coverage on prescription drugs -- that for me is one of the important issues because of my age," said Edward.

By Dennis Oda, Star-Bulletin
Manoa resident Ronnie Williams walks home past Gore Way
but that's not why he's voting for Al Gore. Instead, he says,
it's because he likes the candidate's inclusiveness
and stand for a clean environment.

Honolulu resident Mildred Bush agreed.

George W. Bush is "very much in favor of taking care of senior citizens," said Mildred, 79.

But that's not how Manoa resident Alfred Chong sees it. While adjusting the timer on his 1985 Mazda along Gore Way, Chong said Bush is "nonchalant" when presenting his political views on key issues.

"He's not ready for the job yet," said Chong, 74. In his opinion, it's Gore who proposes the better programs for senior citizens. "He's thinking of the retirees. That's in my category."

Makiki resident Sasha Bush supports Gore because of his stand on gay rights.

"We are important people too," said Sasha, 28.

"Bush is too conservative for me," said Sasha. "To me, Al Gore comes off more human."

Kaneohe resident Bryson Bush will also cross the name line to choose Gore for president.

"I think Gore's more statesmanlike," said Bryson, 61.

In the presidential debates, Bryson said he was impressed with the vice president's ability to answer questions and demonstrate knowledge and experience on various topics.

Bush lacks the ability to convey his sincerity, said Bryson, a Democrat. "He often gives me the feeling that he's unsure of himself when he answers questions or when he's put on the spot."

For Patrick Bush, Green party candidate Ralph Nader wins his vote, based on his environmental views.

"He respects the environment. That alone will give him my vote," he said. "You can't say that about the others."

Also, "he represents the American consumer," said Patrick, 47. "That's what it's all about."

Walking along Manoa Triangle Park near Gore Way, Ronnie Williams concurs with Gore's environmental goals of enforcing water and air pollution laws.

Moreover, he has experience which gives him a handle on foreign and domestic policies, said Williams. Bush is still in that old school of divisiveness, putting one American group against the other, he said.

"We don't need that," said Williams. "We need a cooperative venture."

Neither Gore nor Bush has made an impact on Aiea resident James Gore. James said he is not moved by the candidates' statements on strengthening the Social Security program.

"I'm not impressed with candidates running the same campaign every year and not doing anything about it," said James, 67.

"Why should I think they're gonna be doing anything about it now?"

Three days before the general election, Bush Lane resident Eddie Horio is one of the crucial undecided voters.

"Each one of them (Bush and Gore) are pointing out really good points," said Horio, 33.

"However, it's just trying to decide who is going to pull through when they get elected," he said. "Right now, it's a toss-up."