Reprinted from DailyKos
The Star Advertiser is reporting that Colleen Hanabusa will not contest the election results that showed Sen. Brian Schatz winning by just over 1,700 votes. However, there’s no party unity. No graciousness towards her opponent. Just a whiny complaint.
“A big Mahalo to our volunteers and supporters for your hard work, sacrifice and most importantly, for your trust,” Hanabusa said in a statement. “We would not have gotten as close as we did without the love and Aloha you poured into our campaign. I will forever be humbled and inspired by your support.””Though I will not be challenging the results of this election, I remain very concerned about the public’s confidence and trust in our election process. I ask former colleagues and friends in the Hawaii State Legislature to explore what is necessary to ensure the people that their vote truly counts. I heard from many who feel strongly that they were disenfranchised from the voting process this election and I stand ready to support any collaborative effort to have those voices heard.”
“It is time for me to finish my work in the Congress and reflect on the last 16 years of my life in public office. I always wanted to give back and make things better for the people of Hawaii by creating opportunities for the next generation to thrive. I can move on from this election knowing I listened to the people and fought hard for the right to represent them, honorably.”
Hanabusa’s ambition led her to abandon her HI-01 House seat to primary senator Brian Schatz. Mark Takai (D) (endorsed by the Progressive Caucus, Vote Vets and the Sierra Club) will be facing Republican Mark Djou (R) in the general for Hanabusa’s old seat.