Image above: Gary Hooser and wife Claudette 6/4/10. From (http://www.flickr.com/photos/48138998@N04).
Former Kaua`i Senator Gary Hooser is considering a run for the US congressional 2nd district seat being vacated by Maize Hirono.
According to an email, sent Friday to core friends and supporters, former Kauai Senator Gary Hooser said; "I know in my heart that at some point, serving in public office is where I need to be. While the timing may be uncertain, my commitment is not. The 2nd Congressional District in the United States Congress is a path many have encouraged me to explore and one which I am seriously considering. I live in the District, have established networks on all islands and understand the unique challenges faced by rural communities."Hooser is currently serving in the Abercrombie administration as Director of the Office of Environmental Quality Control. He is expected to post his announcement on Facebook today and to the general public on Sunday. Hooser, who started his political career as a councilmember on Kaua`i, rose to Senate Majority Leader before giving up his seat to unsuccessfully enter the lieutenant governor's race last year. As to the reasons he has decided to test the waters and re-enter elective politics, Hooser wrote: I can no longer merely watch from the sidelines as the “politics as usual” in Washington threatens the very fabric of our lives and the security of our democracy slips further and further every day. As the financial debacle unfolds now in Washington and through-out the world, it is clear that Social Security, Medicare, education and the environment will soon be thrown beneath the bus under the guise of “fiscal responsibility”.Yes, we need to get our nation’s fiscal house in order, but that effort must be a balanced approach and include an end to the Bush tax cuts for the top 5%, a dramatic reduction in corporate entitlements, and an end to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hooser's decision may rest on the support, especially financial, he receives. In the email he said: I am committed to re-entering the political process and helping to lead our community forward. But to do so, I must have your help and your financial support. Whether it’s $25, $50, $100 or more – To begin anew down the path toward elective office, I must have your help today. Our campaign must raise $12,500 this month for existing obligations and an additional $25,000 to fund other expenses necessary to maintain an ongoing strong and credible campaign presence. Contributions can be sent to Friends of Gary Hooser, P.O. Box 4094, Honolulu HI 96812. My final decision and future path depends in large part on your response to this letter. If you want me to run for public office and serve you again in that capacity, I need to know. The field for the congressional seat thus far is thin with the only two announced candidates for the Democratic nomination being Honolulu City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard and Esther Kiaaina, former aide to ex-Congressman Ed Case and Senator Dan Akaka, although former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann's name has been mentioned as has former Lieutenant Governor Duke Aiona on the Republican side. Hirono has announced she will run for the senate seat being vacated by the retiring Akaka That would make Hooser the only progressive in the race so far for what is characterized by some as the most progressive district in the country. Hawai`i was recently named the most Democratic state in the country in a Gallup poll. Hooser ran for the 2nd congressional district seat- which includes rural O`ahu and the neighbor islands- once before, losing to Hirono in a special election to replace Ed Case who resigned his seat to run against Akaka in 2006. .
In Running for Congress By Gary Hooser on 13 August 2011 in Gary Hooser's Blog - (http://garyhooser.wordpress.com/2011/08/13/on-running-for-congress-a-possible-path/)
Aloha,
I can no longer merely watch from the sidelines as the “politics as usual” in Washington threatens the very fabric of our lives and the security of our democracy slips further and further every day.
As the financial debacle unfolds now in Washington and through-out the world, it is clear that Social Security, Medicare, education and the environment will soon be thrown beneath the bus under the guise of “fiscal responsibility”. Yes, we need to get our nation’s fiscal house in order, but that effort must be a balanced approach and include an end to the Bush tax cuts for the top 5%, a dramatic reduction in corporate entitlements, and an end to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
There is hope, of course. With leadership that honors the people and an unflagging commitment based on core values and old-fashioned hard work, we can create the positive future our children deserve.
If you know me, you know that I will speak truth to power and fight hard for the values we share. You also know that I understand the importance of being effective and that I know how to get things done.
My role today as the Director of the Office of Environmental Quality Control is meaningful, challenging and we have made great strides forward on many levels. The Governor’s New Day in Hawaii agenda is a good one that I wholeheartedly support. At the end of the day however, I know in my heart that at some point, serving in public office is where I need to be. While the timing may be uncertain, my commitment is not.
The 2nd Congressional District in the United States Congress is a path many have encouraged me to explore and one which I am seriously considering. I live in the District, have established networks on all islands and understand the unique challenges faced by rural communities.
The first absentee votes in the 2012 primary election will be cast just 12 short months from now.
I am committed to re-entering the political process and helping to lead our community forward.But to do so, I must have your help and your financial support.Whether it’s $25, $50, $100 or more – To begin anew down the path toward elective office, I must have your help today.Our campaign must raise $12,500 this month for existing obligations and an additional $25,000 to fund other expenses necessary to maintain an ongoing strong and credible campaign presence.
My final decision and future path depends in large part on your response to this letter.If you want me to run for public office and serve you again in that capacity, I need to know.
Mahalo again for all of your past help and support.In order for me to plan effectively for the future, contributions received prior to August 30 are especially important.I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Gary Hooser
808-652-4279 GaryLHooser@hotmail.com
Contributions to: Friends of Gary Hooser, P.O. Box 4094, Honolulu HI 96812
http://www.garyhooser.com Website is “in transition” but please visit and watch “The Hooser Story” and other video that will give you a better idea of who I am and what values I hold dear.
No comments :
Post a Comment