We asked voters
Whom did you vote for, and why?For Governor
Hap Kollmeyer, semiretired business executive: "Linda Lingle. I think she's the best qualified. The competition isn't that good."Maria Adversalo, early-education teacher: "John Carroll. One of the main issues was physician-assisted suicide. He was against that, which leaned me toward (him)."
Eric Umemoto, graduate student: "Ed Case. I think that with my limited exposure, he was one of the people that mentioned the environment. My background is in science, so I was more concerned about people that mentioned environment. I looked at the Web sites."
Nancy Nagao, retired bank loan officer: "Mazie Hirono. I think I'm going to give her a chance. I was going to vote for Case. But she has a little bit of experience in that office and the Legislature. Case was very impressive. He's young yet, and if he's good he can build himself up."
For Lt. governor
Thelma Gibo, printing company service rep: "Donna Ikeda. I just thought that the others didn't have enough background in state politics. I'd like to see some change in government, the way things are approached. I've been reading mostly the news articles. I just really voted on that."Valentine Ramos, school custodian: "Matt Matsunaga, because I think he has his father's abilities. Usually you vote for people you know."
Alicia Fadrowsky, UH student: "Dalton Tanonaka. I was torn between him and (James) Aiona, but I felt more strongly toward him. I felt we needed a change."
Joann Allin, business owner: "James 'Duke' Aiona Jr. I think he's more familiar with Hawaii since he has lived here all the time and he's been a judge. He knows the rules to start with."
For state House District 22
Ida Holtsinger, personnel specialist: "Terry Nui Yoshinaga. She's a very concerned person and a person of principle, and she stands for a lot of programs that I think are important. She takes active interest and she's very involved."Jewel McDonald, travel agent: "Scott Saiki. I like Scott. I think he's a great guy. I think he's a good man, and he usually does what he says, so I know he's going to do a great job. He cares about issues. He's always out there with his people holding signs."
For state Senate District 1
Roy Sodetani, retired weatherman: "David Matsuura. I ignored criticism of Matsuura's votes against 'Death with Dignity' bill and former Attorney General Margery Bronster. I don't listen to those kinds of things. I form my own opinion."Bob Evans, director of study-abroad school for Japanese students: "Lorraine Inouye. I voted against (David) Matsuura. That's the best way to put it."
For Congress
Al Litman, retired: "Bob McDermott. I think he's qualified for the position. It's time (for Patsy Mink) to retire and turn over the reins to someone else."Barbara Robert, bookkeeper: "Patsy Mink. I think she's done a great job for the people of Hawaii. She knows what she's doing. I don't care if she's sick. She's going to pull through."
For Honolulu City Council Dist. 4
Doug Brand, Army lieutenant: "Charles Djou. He's a younger guy who brings a breath of fresh air. He lost his district in Kaneohe, and I heard he did a lot of good (there)."Bob Allin, retired doctor: "Robert Fishman. I liked his name ... his record. I'm not informed about the other candidates."
For Kauai mayor
Lloyd Chester, retired newspaper publisher: "Ron Kouchi. I think Ron has a little more panache and a little more knowledge than Bryan."Shelby Yokotake, Subway worker: "Bryan Baptiste. I think he'll be good for the kids. I supported him when he ran for County Council, too."