HI-1: Takai retiring

[Vega]

HanabUSA won't probably be challenged in the primary, unfortunately. I think she'll scare off any actually progressives like Stanley Chan.

[Vega]

I mean, she's 65 so it's not like she'll be in the seat an eternity; she might be stupid and try to run for higher office of some sort and retire from the House seat.

I could also see her in a HRC Administration as well, so there is that. Labor secretary seems to be calling her name.

[Vega]

Not quite. He was wondering why so many Democrats suddenly had a boner for Gabbard. Aside from her looks (no pun intended), it was due to her resigning from the DNC and endorsing Bernie. I doubt many of them even know about her "colorful" past.

To be fair, though, some of the biggest Bernie supporters were the same people calling her out for acting like a magic progressive 4 years ago. I don't think it's lost on anyone her past, but many, including me, have chosen to forget it considering the dramatic U-Turn she's made.

[Vega]

Not quite. He was wondering why so many Democrats suddenly had a boner for Gabbard. Aside from her looks (no pun intended), it was due to her resigning from the DNC and endorsing Bernie. I doubt many of them even know about her "colorful" past.

To be fair, though, some of the biggest Bernie supporters were the same people calling her out for acting like a magic progressive 4 years ago. I don't think it's lost on anyone her past, but many, including me, have chosen to forget it considering the dramatic U-Turn she's made.

There's also plenty of r/sanders4president types who are completely ignorant of any politician who isn't Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton. There are people on there who legit believe that Colin Peterson and Dan Lipinski are progressive stalwarts.

I really can't comprehend that; if you're that pumped about politics, why don't you check out lower-level candidates to see if you can help similar candidates to Bernie?

They're not pumped about politics. They're pumped about Bernie. They're more enthused about primarying Hillary backers than taking out any Republicans.

But that is no doubt because they see Hillary backers as being worse than Republicans.

[Vega]

That's ing horrible. This is so incredibly tragic.

Completely unexpected, he was apparently doing well.

[Vega]

Now the question is whether or not Ige will call a special election. If so, looks like Hanabusa is headed back to the House of Representatives sooner than expected.

When Patsy Mink died in office much later than Takai did (in late September) in 2002, a special election was called. I'm certain that one will be called for this, most likely alongside the regular election.

[Vega]

Special election will likely be held alongside the fall general election for the full term, as per the sketchy elections officer.

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/32493145/special-election-for-remainder-of-takais-term-likely-to-be-held-in-november