By TREENA SHAPIRO By TREENA SHAPIRO ADVERTISING Associated Press HONOLULU — Hawaii’s two Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate will appear jointly at five events before the primary election in August. U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono issued a news release Thursday listing
By TREENA SHAPIRO
Associated Press
HONOLULU — Hawaii’s two Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate will appear jointly at five events before the primary election in August.
U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono issued a news release Thursday listing the debate and joint forum invitations she has accepted.
Hirono’s primary opponent, former U.S. Rep. Ed Case, followed up with a news release criticizing Hirono for not accepting more invitations, including those from all three major Oahu television networks and the state’s largest newspaper.
“She deliberately did not accept those with the most exposure, that would reach the most voters statewide,” Case said in a phone interview.
The joint appearances begin with a May 25 forum hosted by the Oahu County Democrats and also include a debate on Hawaii Public Radio June 13 and a candidate forum on PBS Hawaii a day later.
“I’m pleased that these debates and joint forums will include a neighbor island debate, and sponsorships by public radio and public television,” Hirono said in her news release. Her campaign did not go into detail about what invitations were turned down.
“We believe we are providing voters ample opportunity to consider Congresswoman Hirono and former Congressman Case’s record as well as their vision for the people of Hawaii,” said Hirono’s campaign finance chairwoman, Jadine Nielsen. “We look forward to discussing issues of importance like creating local jobs, helping middle-class families during these challenging times, and providing quality educational opportunities for our keiki.”
Case said he has accepted all invitations to appear with Hirono, including some he said would have made accommodations for when Hirono is in Washington, D.C.
“A United States senator needs to be prepared to discuss and debate in all circumstances and cannot manage how a national debate occurs and has to be ready on all counts,” he said.
In addition to joint appearances, both Democratic candidates vying to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka will be meeting with voters throughout the state.
“I look forward to having a conversation with the people of Hawaii about my plans to help our families through these challenging times, protect Social Security and Medicare for our kupuna, strengthen our economy and create a more sustainable future for our state,” Hirono said.
Case said: “This is a critical election, and every Hawaii voter wants and deserves every opportunity to size us up side by side and make this decision for themselves. We want our candidates and public officials to discuss openly and directly how we’ll fix Washington, grow our economy and much more, not hide behind handlers and spin.”
