Rep. Ed Case and Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono, both running for governor in the Democratic primary election, attacked each other yesterday over the issue of how many debates are enough. Rejected debate a
sore spot for CaseRival Mazie Hirono refused to
participate in another TV debateBy Richard Borreca
rborreca@starbulletin.comCase, disturbed that Hirono decided to reject a KITV/Star-Bulletin debate scheduled for Friday, says Hirono is "cheating the people of Hawaii."
"Voters deserve every opportunity to see the candidates for governor stand toe to toe in real time and debate the issues," he said. "She obviously wants to avoid any further exposure of her 'house of cards' candidacy."
The proposed TV debate was canceled because Hirono refused to participate.
Hirono's campaign manager, Robert Toyofuku, shot back that Hirono has already debated her Democratic opponent on television.
"I question your motive to have another televised debate as simply another political campaign tactic, rather than a sincere desire to have an intelligent, mature and fair discussion of the issues," Toyofuku said in a letter written yesterday to Case.
"As we move forward, I would hope that you would take to heart the need to elevate your political rhetoric and refrain from making inaccurate and misleading statements," Toyofuku said.
Hirono is the front-runner in the Democratic race for governor and also has been able to raise the most money -- almost $400,000 -- of all the Democratic candidates for governor.
State Office of Elections
