Who Won What Where and Why?

          On November the 6th Mazie Hirono became the first Asian-born senator in America.  Mazie Hirono defeated the GOP candidate Linda Lingle 62.6% to 37.4%, by a margin of 107 thousand votes (2012 Presidential Election).  But what propelled Mazie to her substantial lead and victory?
          It is difficult to pinpoint why Mazie Hirono was so successful as a candidate.  Many aspects of her personality and her stance on prominent issues make her and appealing choice for the Senate.  It is my hypothesis that a combination of several smaller factors created the correct political climate that enabled Mazie Hirono to win her seat in the Senate.
         I believe that Hawaii being the home state of current President Barrack Obama was a powerful and positive influence that supported Mazie Hirono's campaign (Barack Obama Biography). The President's ties back to his home state motivated voters and aroused waves of Democratic sentiments;  the waves that Hirono rode to victory.  Like the President, Hirono is an advocate of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and places a high priority on issues of education (Mazie Hirono on the Issues).  Their agreement on issues such as these allows Hawaiians to channel their enthusiasm for Barrack Obama into his Hawaiian Senatorial candidate counterpart.
        Another important link Mazie Hirono shares with President Obama is that both she and he are visible minorities.  This visible connection between Hirono and Obama can only strengthen their inherent association,  and by extension aid the propagation of her campaign to Democrats already supporting Obama.  These supporters recognized the similarities, and likely lent their support to Hirono on the day of the election.  Although, this association may have influenced Democrats or those leaning Democrat to cast their ballot for Hirono, it is doubtful the presidential correlation had a positive voting influence on more right-wing Hawaiians.
         I do not think the influence of Mazie Hirono's ethnic origin ends with just a coincidental presidential correlation. The interplay of Mazie Hirono's ethnic origins and the demographic of Hawaii also came into play when determining the outcome of this election.  Hawaii's population is comprised of 38% asian citizens, a sleeping giant akin to latino populations in other states (Enloe and Seager 108)(US Census Bureau).  These Asians-Americans are the majority ethnic group in Hawaii, which gives them much power in determining the which political agents they are going to elect to represent them.  No one was better suited for representing the interests Asian-American Hawaiians than Mazie Hirono, who bore the potential of being the first Asian-American Senator.
        Due to this ethnic bias, I believe Mazie Hirono was able to clinch the votes of those who were more focused on candidate characteristics than their political platforms.  This ethnic trend of voting is correlated ideas of candidate centered voting, and in the case of Hawaii's visible majority it is a short-term strategy that holds the power to decide the outcome of an election (Berry et. al 226).  These ethnic similarities coupled with Hirono's presidential correlation were key components in securing her victory against Lingle.






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<http://www.politico.com/2012-election/map/>.

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<http://www.biography.com/people/barack-obama-12782369>.

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

Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2004. Print.

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.

"Hawaii US Census Bureau." USA Census Bureau. N.p., 18 Sept. 2012. Web. 18 Nov. 2012.

<http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/00000.html>.

"Mazie Hirono on the Issues." On the Issues. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2012.

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

Voting History and Demographic of Hawaii

       The state of Hawaii is home to only 1.37 million Americans, and is allotted 4 electoral college votes to contribute to each presidential election (Hawaii US Census Bureau)( Hawaii 270 to Win).  In it's first year as a State, Hawaii was originally allotted 3 electoral college votes in 1959, which was been raised to 4 electoral votes in the year following the 1960 election, and it has remained unchanged since then. (Hawaii 270 to win).
        Hawaii has remained a Democratic stronghold since its inception, with the exception of having conceded two victories to Republican presidential candidates (Hawaii Presidential Voting History).  Ronald  Reagan and Richard Nixon were the two non-Democrats presidential candidates to steal Hawaii, but not since then has it shared its electoral votes with a Republican (Hawaii 270 to Win).  This long-standing Democratic winning streak has created strong Democratic tone in Hawaii, one that may prove difficult for candidate Lingle to overcome.  Though Lingle did win her election against Hirono in 2002, her victory was the result of Hirono's last minute entry into the race and her slim victory over  the opposing democratic nominee, Ed Case. Hawaii
         Unlike other States, Hawaii is home home to a majority of ethnic minorities (Enloe and Seager 108).  Caucasians occupy only 24.9% of the population of the Hawaiian islands, and are vastly outnumbered but other ethnic groups (Enoloe and Seager 108).  Asian-Americans represent the largest ethnic group in Hawaii, contributing to 38% of the population (Hawaii US Census Bureau)(Enloe andSeager 108). As Mazie Hirono was born in Japan, her racial and ethnic congruency with a plurality of the population has the potential to be a political tool.  It might be easier to for Hawaiians to empathize with a candidate of the same ethnic origins, an advantage that might give Hirono an edge in the her campaign.  This unorthodox balance in ethnic distribution is likely to play a role in influencing the decisions of Hawaiians come November the 6th.
     




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.

"Hawaii US Census Bureau." USA Census Bureau. N.p., 18 Sept. 2012. Web. 8 Nov. 2012.

<http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/00000.html>.

"Hawaii Presidential Election Voting History." CNN. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Nov. 2012.

<http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004/pages/pre/HI/history.html>.

"Hawaii 270 to Win." 270 to Win. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Nov. 2012.

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

Promotion of Women's Rights and Hirono's Publicity

          Mazie Hirono is a fervent protector of civil rights, specifically when pertaining to achieving equality between the sexes.  Hirono co-sponsored the re-introduction of the Equal Rights Act, which was initially brought into effect in the 1960's, to help with issues such as discriminatory wages (Mazie Hirono on Civil Rights). The re-introduction of this legislation would equip congress with greater power to address and combat infractions on existing regulation regarding discrimination based on sex or race (Mazie Hirono on Civil Rights).
          But is discrimination based on sex still an important issue in America? Though certain among us may contend that it is not, women currently only earn on average 77% of what their male counterparts earn in the same occupation (Cheeseman and Downs). This significant gap of 33% percent illustrates a clear lack of equality in the current socioeconomic system, not congruent with the founding notions of freedom, order and equality for which America strives (Berry, et al.).  As such, Hirono became a combattant of such shortcomings, using her influence in the political sphere as well as her personal experience as woman in politics as political weapons in her arsenal.
          The state of Hawaii itself is represented by a legislature comprised only 33% of women (Enloe and Seager.  It is of little surprise that Congresswoman Hirono has been such a strong supporter of equality when her State legislature is dominated by a 2/3 majority of men. This inequality of representation can be addressed by breaking down barriers, such as sexual discrimination and wage gaps, that would discourage women from seeking public office.  Though never explicitly stated by Hirono, it is likely that gender parody in politics is a long-term goal.
          The discussion of gender discrimination in politics does raise questions about how Hirono is portrayed by the media.  Many articles regarding the Congresswoman go on in length on the subject of the ongoing struggles of two women vying for control of Hawaii's second district (Gaddis).  The articles heavily broadcast the significance of the sex of both candidate and its importance for the state of  Hawaii.  Though multiple female candidates is an excellent indicator for the progression of equality in politics, it may cast a shadow over the issues the candidates themselves are advocating.  Although some news outlets, such as Honolulu's Civil Beat, are maintaining an objective perspective, it becomes easy for to lose sight of candidate's issues and in favor of what might be considered a more appealing topic of sex in politics (Blair).
          I do not mean to say that broadcasting the success of two prominent female candidates should be frowned upon, rather that such information should be released in a responsible manner in tandem with other relevant electoral information.





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

Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2004. Print.

Blair, Chad. "Lingle and Hirono, On The Attack." Honolulu Civil Beat. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2012.

<http://www.civilbeat.com/articles/2012/10/31/17488-civil-beat-poll-hironos-double-digit- 

lead-over-lingle-holding/>.

Cheeseman, Jennifer, and Barbara Downs. "Examining the Gender Earnings Gap: Occupational

Differences and the Life Course." US Census. N.p., 29 Mar. 2012. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. 

<http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/ioindex/GenderEarningsGap.pdf>.

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.

Gaddis, Nate. "Lingle vs Hirono: An Historically Rare, Important Election." Maui Now RSS. N.p., 22

Aug. 2012. Web. 17 Oct. 2012. <http://mauinow.com/2012/08/22/lingle-vs-hirono-an- 

historically-rare-important-election/>.

 "Mazie Hirono on Civil Rights." Mazie Hirono on Civil Rights. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Oct. 2012.

<http://www.ontheissues.org/house/Mazie_Hirono_Civil_Rights.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/>.