HI: Ward Research: Abercrombie (D) leads by 8

[Tender Branson]

New Poll: Hawaii Governor by Ward Research on 2010-10-23

Summary: D: 51%, R: 43%, I: 1%, U: 5%

Poll Source URL: Full Poll Details

Abercrombie's primary opponent, former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, has thrown his support to Abercrombie, but Hannemann voters don't appear to be following his lead. According to the Hawaii Poll, 82 percent of people who voted for Abercrombie in the primary will also vote for him in the general election. But 63 percent of Hannemann voters said they will vote for Aiona on November 2nd. Only 29 percent of Hannemann supporters said they will vote for Abercrombie.

[Tender Branson]

Why are the Hannemann voters backing Aiona ?

Any reason for that ? Is Hannemann a Republican-leaning Democrat ?

[Meeker]

Why are the Hannemann voters backing Aiona ?

Any reason for that ? Is Hannemann a Republican-leaning Democrat ?

I'm no expert on Hawaii, but Hannemann and Aiona of course have one key thing in common with each other that Abercrombie does not. Race may be a factor here.

[Skill and Chance]

Why are the Hannemann voters backing Aiona ?

Any reason for that ? Is Hannemann a Republican-leaning Democrat ?

Hannemann was notably more socially conservative than Abercrombie. That plus Asian American identity politics will benefit Aiona, but likely not enough for him to win.

[Meeker]

When's the last time the Democratic nominee in a statewide race was white and the Republican nominee was Asian-American?

[Eraserhead]

Well, at least Abercrombie has a decent lead in this poll. He should be good.

[Miles]

Why are the Hannemann voters backing Aiona ?

Any reason for that ? Is Hannemann a Republican-leaning Democrat ?

I'm no expert on Hawaii, but Hannemann and Aiona of course have one key thing in common with each other that Abercrombie does not. Race may be a factor here.

Dan Inouye endorsed and campaigned with Abercrombie. That should help his non-white numbers.

[DrScholl]

When's the last time the Democratic nominee in a statewide race was white and the Republican nominee was Asian-American?

Looking at past elections statewide, it looks like the last time was when Hiram Fong ran against Cec Heftel in 1970.

[Dgov]

I'm more shocked that he's only pulling 82% of his own primary voters.  Why would someone vote for him in the primary, and then vote against him in the general?