Whose Side Are You on Anyway?

          It is not be uncommon for a Democrat Senate candidate to receive endorsements from other Democrats.  However, it is not only Hirono's fellow Democrats who are wholeheartedly endorsing her campaign, but Republican candidates and congressmen are rallying behind her cause as well (Garcia). Hirono's support across partisan lines was shocking, and will prove useful for the Hawaii candidate as the election draws nearer.
         John Carroll, Linda Lingle's former opponent in the Hawaiian Republican Primary Election, kissed Hirono on the cheek and offered her a few kind words (Garcia).  Carroll continued his endorsment of Hirono by publicly saying that "(Hirono is) the only option for Senate in my book right now"(qtd. in Garcia).  Though these comments may have been sincere,  Lingle's campaign could justify them being a bitter attempt to get even with Lingle after having been defeated by her in the primary election.  Regardless of what Carroll's words are construed to mean, his actions initiated a quick backlash from the Lingle's campaign.  Lingle's campaign spokesperson retaliated, stating that the endorsement Carrol made "[doesn't] mean a hill of beans"(qtd. Garcia).
        On what grounds can the Lingle campaign be so dismissive of their fellow party member's opinion?  The decline of partisanship in America is bears some of the responsibility (Berry et. al 226).  As more voters and even more candidates are beginning to lose their fierce partisan loyalty, it becomes easier to disagree with the party that candidate belongs to (Berry et. al 226).  Because of this shift in how candidates perceive themselves and their role in parties, political barriers that previously preventing this kind of criticism are being knocked down.  Lingle 's mockery of Carrol is an example of how his weak Republican identification lead to the endorsement of an opponent and then his ridicule at the hands of a fellow Republican.
        Weakening party identification is also a driving force in Hirono's second Republican endorsement, this one from Alaskan Congressman Don Young (Responds to Attack Ads).  The advertisement highlights Hirono's past bi-partisan accomplishments, and her ability to work with Republicans and achieve results.  Don Young fully endorses Hirono as the Senator Hawaii needs, although maybe not the one it deserves.
          Don Young's endorsement will be difficult for Lingle's campaign to ignore. Young is a reputable and conservative Congressman his home state of Alaska, a Republican stronghold that has only conceded once to a Democrat presidential candidate (Alaska 270 to win).  Young's status as a Republican politician will make dismissing his endorsement a difficult task for Lingle.
           Young's cross-partisan endorsement is yet another example of the weakening of partisan alignment in America.  Weaker partisan ties have lead to the current political social context in which Young  is able to speak freely in favor of Hirono, without fearing retribution from his fellow Republicans. Yet this weakening in partisan alignment also gives more leeway for other Republicans, such as Lingle, to disassociate with Young if they do not agree with the ideas he is espousing.  Such disassociation might be instrumental for Lingle if she wishes to recover from Hirono's very successful advertisement.

"Alaska 270 to Win." Alaska Presidential Election Voting History. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Nov. 2012.

<http://www.270towin.com/states/Alaska>.

Berry, Jeffrey, Kenneth M. Janda, Jerry Goldman, and Kevin W. Hula. The Challenge of Democracy.

Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2004. Print.

Garcia, Oskar. "Hirono Endorsed by Lingle's GOP Primary Opponent." Washington Examiner. N.p.,

24 Aug. 2012. Web. 4 Nov. 2012. <http://washingtonexaminer.com/hirono-endorsed-by- 

lingles-gop-primary-opponent/article/feed/2027395>.

"Responds to Attack Ads." Mazie Hirono Videos : Firstpost Topic. N.p., 3 Nov. 2012. Web.

<http://www.firstpost.com/topic/person/mazie-hirono-barack-obama-responds-to-attack- 

ads-video-CtSk3nwhdzY-62233-1.html>.

Hirono's Conservation and Environment Effort

          Environmental protection is one of the primary goals of Congresswoman Hirono as she battles for the vacant senatorial position.  (Congresswoman Mazie Hirono).  There is much natural land in Hawaii's second district, therefore it is no surprise that Hawaiians would consider environment protection to be a key issue.  Hirono might simply be espousing environmental protection to gain favor, although it is possible she believes it to be in the nation's best interest to preserve the local flora and fauna.

          Hirono is  known for her voting on clean energy initiatives but primarily on numerous policies regarding wildlife conservation initiatives, having co-sponsored several of these projects herself.  She bears a clear concern for wildlife, particularly animal wellbeing where it is threatened by human interference (Mazie on the issues). 

          Among the long list of the animals Hirono has petitioned to save are polar bears, bluefin tuna, foxes, wolves and horses (Mazie Hirono on Environment). Along similar lines she also co-sponsored PUPS, legislation that increases the regulation of dog kennels to decrease the mistreatment of puppies (Mazie on the environment). Her support of animals has been consistant throughout her terms in public office, and she was awarded  a rating of 75% by the Humane Society Legislative Fund on issues concerning the well-being of animals (Mazie onEnvironment)(Humane Society Legislative Fund).

        Hirono's humanitarian views are endearing to the public and make her an appealing candidate for citizens concerned about animal rights.  Hirono's activism portrays her seemingly caring nature by showing her concern for less fortunate animals.  Demonstrating such a strong sense of character is highly appealing in the current political age, where a candidate's personality can have such a large impact upon their support base (Barry et. al 223).  Combatting animal cruelty and fighting to protect endangered animals is therefore an excellent method of improve a candidate's image.

          The production of clean energy is another issue that relatively high on Congreesowman Hirono's list of priorities.  She is against  unregulated pollution of the environment, and supported enforcing limits on CO2 emitions in 2009. She also believes that Americans need "to wean [themselves] from imported oil"(qtd. in Mazie Hirono on Energy and Oil).  Her left-wing views regarding environmental policy are likely to gain her favor in a state that traditionally leans democratic.
         The natural persona exuded by Hawaii is most likely a cause for Hirono's stances on environmental issues. Her advocacy of pro-environmental policy will earn her votes from concerned Hawaiians.

Barry, Jeffrey M, Jerry Goldman, Kevin W. Hula, and Kenneth Janda. The Challenge of

Democracy American Government in Global Politics. United States: Wadsworth, Cengage  

Learning, 2012. Print.

"Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono." Malama 'Aina. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2012.

<http://hirono.house.gov/issues/issue/?IssueID=57981>.

"Humane Society Legislative Fund." Humane Society Legislative Fund. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2012.

<http://www.hslf.org/>.

"Mazie Hirono on Energy and Oil." Mazie Hirono on Energy and Oil. On the Issues, 14 Oct. 2012.

Web. <http://www.ontheissues.org/House/Mazie_Hirono_Energy_+_Oil.htm>.

"Mazie Hirono on Environment." Mazie Hirono on Environment. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2012.

<http://www.ontheissues.org/House/Mazie_Hirono_Environment.htm>.

Hirono's Stance on Education

Congresswoman Hirono is a staunch advocate of improving child and youth education.  During her term in office she has supported several legislative propositions put forth to ameliorate and renovate outdated schools and also to support teacher development.  Her stances on education are liberal, as she places more value on positive interaction between teachers and students than complex and rigid structures of standardized testing.
           Congresswoman Hirono stands behind her ideas when it comes time to vote. She was notably opposed to the No Child Left Behind policies proposed under the Bush administration (Mazie Hirono on the Issues). The principals of NCLB were an increased focus on the standardization of testing of students across America (Rotherham). Hirono felt these measures undermined the purpose of teaching and warped notions of education by enforcing stricter guidelines.  She would instead have funds relocated to teacher development programs, ensuring teachers can reach their maximum potential in terms of quality so that they might better instruct and nurture their students. (Mazie Hirono on the Issues).
          In order for a proper and efficient education system to be maintained, more funds are needed from the federal government.  Hirono voted in favor of an omnibus bill, the HSS Labor Education appropriations bill, which would have given 10.2 billion dollars of federal support to schools (H.R. 3043 (110th)). Though the bill had a majority of the support and passed in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, it was vetoed by president Bush because of its extensive costs (H.R. 3043 (110th)).
          In contrast, both Mazie Hirono and challenger Linda Lingles are in favor of increased federal expenditures on education, though their views on the implementation of these funds differ.  Former governor Lingles believes that higher pay should be available to teachers, and should be awarded depending on personal performance and merit, which would be determined by the state (Linda Lingle on the Issues).  This more regimented approach of Lingle's is counterintuitive to the style espoused by Hirono, as it encourages professors to focus on academic results and ignore individual student needs.
          Hirono's strong commitment to improve education is unorthodox from a state such as Hawaii,  as it boasts excellent standards of education (Enloe and Seager 108).  Hawaii is already leading the nation in regards to students completing high school, with over 90% successfully graduating (Enloe and Seager 108).  In addition, Hawaii also spends in excess of 10 thousand dolars per pupil every year; again setting an example for the rest of the country (Enloe and Seager 76).  With such a high standard of education, perhaps making education related legislation a priority is over zealous.  On the other hand, perhaps she policies and experience from her home state as an example with which to improve other states lacking in educational expertise.
          It is no secret that Congresswoman Hirono is a powerful supporter of education, with an emphasis on the necessity of early childhood education (Mazie Hirono on the Issues).  She believes that by beginning learning at  a young age, and being taught by capable and well-developed instructors, that the youth will develop into a strong generation capable of steering America in the right direction.
         Hirono will likely continue to her fervent support of education policy as a member of Senate if re-elected.






Enloe, Cynthia H., and Joni Seager. The Real State of America Atlas: Mapping the Myths and Truths

of the United States. New York, NY: Penguin, 2011. Print.

"H.R. 3043 (110th):"  Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related

Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 (2007; 110th Congress H.R. 3043). N.p., n.d. Web. 

15 Oct. 2012. <http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/110/hr3043>.

"Linda Lingle on the Issues." Linda Lingle on the Issues. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. \

<http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/Linda_Lingle.htm>.

"Mazie Hirono on the Issues." Mazie Hirono on the Issues. On the Issues, n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. \

<http://www.ontheissues.org/House/Mazie_Hirono.htm>.

     
Rotherham, Andrew J. 'Lets Not Weaken It' An Exclusive Interview with George W Bush on NCLB.

Times, 12 Jan. 2012. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. <http://ideas.time.com/2012/01/12/lets-not- 

weaken-it-an-exclusive-interview-with-george-w-bush-on-nclb/>.

Background of Hawaii's Second District Congresswoman

               Mazie Hirono is the current Democratic congresswoman in Hawaii's Second District . She is a challenger for the open senate seat left by retiring Senator Daniel K. Akaka, and is competing with her former GOP rival, Linda Lingle (Washingon Post).
               Born in 1947, in Fukushima, Japan, Mazie Hirono lead a difficult childhood.  She suffered from an abusive father before fleeing with her mother and older brother to the United States at the age of eight (Washington Post).  They made Hawaii their home, and she became an official citizen in 1959 (Biography).  Congresswoman Hirono attributes much of her tenacity and determination to the challenges and discrimination she felt as both a young woman and a foreigner during her formative years in Hawaii (Washington post). As such, she is strong advocate for the protection of women's rights and has shown powerful support in favor of pro-choice legislature for her constituents.
               Mazie Hirono attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa, majoring in psychology, and was initiated into the Phi Beta Kappa society, which honors excellence in liberal arts and social sciences (Biography). She continued her education to Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, where she focused administering public law (Biography). Although Mazie excelled in her education, her brother had difficulties with his academic success (Mazie for Hawaii).  His struggles played a role and influenced Hirono's to push for increased pre-K learning to assist youth with difficulties like her brother.
             After law school the young Asian-American became Hawaii's deputy attorney general, after which she left to practice in the private sector as an attorney (Washington Post).  Congresswoman Hirono's career in the political office began in 1980, when she was elected to the Hawaiian House of Representatives (Mazie for Hawaii). During this time she chaired the Consumer Protection and Commerce Committees.  Following her time in the Hawaiian House of Representatives, Congresswoman Ms. Hirono went on to serve two full terms as lieutenant governor under Governor Cayetano (Washington Post).
            Hirono's political career almost run its course in 2002, when she was defeated by GOP candidate Linda Lingle, who became Hawaii's first female governor (Washington Post). This loss is attributed to Hirono's slender victory over other democratic candidate nominee Ed Case in the primary, which was seen as a lack of support (Dipietro).  However, Ms. Hirono proved resiliant and recovered the title from the incumbent in 2007.  Congresswoman Hirono is the first female and buddhist, although non-practicing, congresswoman to be elected into the house of representatives (Washington Post).
          Hirono was married to Leighton Oshima in 1989, and currently has one step-daughter (Biography).
 





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