Kerry’s paid staff works
to secure isle victory

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The Kerry-Edwards campaign is counting on Hawaii to vote Democratic on election day but is not taking anything for granted.

The Democratic National Committee has four paid staff members here to carry out campaign activities for presidential candidate John Kerry.

"We're working hard," said Jadine Nielson, Hawaii's DNC state director. "This election will be the largest grass-roots campaign we've had in the country."

Another DNC staff members is outgoing state Rep. Eric Hamakawa (D, Hilo-Kurtistown).

Gov. Linda Lingle said she believes assigning paid staff for the presidential election here "is an indication they (Democrats) have concern that they won't hold Hawaii."

Lingle is chairman of Hawaii's Bush-Cheney re-election campaign, which has no paid staff.

"I think we have a chance to win Hawaii," she said.

Nielson is not discounting the GOP's ability to get out the vote.

"With the governor being Republican, she obviously can do a lot," Nielson said.

The Kerry-Edwards Hawaii campaign is participating in tomorrow's "Rock the Vote" event at Kapiolani Park and has taken part in other previous activities. As the general election draws near, the campaign will have its own events, Nielson said.

All Bush-Cheney campaign events are being held in conjunction with Hawaii GOP rallies. But closer to the election, there will be more sign-waving and door-to-door campaigning, Lingle said.

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