Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, December 29, 2019

Former Gov. Neil Abercrombie, shown with Boys & Girls Club members in Dec. 2010 at Pāhala Plantation House, is co-chairing the bid by Kai Kahele to become the next Congressman representing Kaʻū and the rest of rural Hawaiʻi. Abercrombie is asking that current Rep. Tulsi Gabbard step down now. Photo by Julia Neal

TULSI GABBARD MADE NATIONAL NEWS SHOWS OVER THE WEEKEND, as they took up her voting kanalua (present - rather than yes or no) during the recent impeachment of Pres. Donald Trump by the House of Representatives. She told ABC News, on Saturday, that the impeachment will create "lasting damage" to the country. She called the possibility of Trump winning a second term a "serious concern" and said, "I think impeachment, unfortunately, will only further embolden Donald Trump, increase his support and the likelihood that he'll have a better shot at getting elected, while also seeing the likelihood that the House will lose a lot of seats to Republicans."
     She contended that her kanalua vote was "not a decision of neutrality" and claimed that she was "standing up for the people of this country and our ability to move forward together. Thinking about what's politically advantageous, whether for me or for my party, does not enter into my mind around these decisions that have really great consequence."

Gabbard in a town hall in New Hampshire yesterday, where she defended her unwillingness to vote for Trump's impeachment. Image: Tusli2020.com

     She called the impeachment vote the fallout of a "zero sum mindset" between Republicans and Democrats. Gabbard was one of three Democrats to decline from voting yes to impeach the President. Rep. Jeff Van Drew voted no and switched from the Democratic to Republican Party. Rep. Collin Peterson also voted no.
     Some opinions on Gabbard's vote include accusing her of "getting attention. We're talking about her, and really we shouldn't spend any time talking about her," said Democrat and former senator Claire McCaskill, an MSNBC contributor.
     Gabbard doubled down in campaign speeches this weekend, predicting that, should the U.S. Senate exonerate Trump, he will take the message across the country and his support for a second term as president will grow.
     In the meantime, last week, former Gov. Neil Abercrombie called on Gabbard to resign her post as congresswoman representing Kaʻū and the rest of rural Hawaiʻi. Abercrombie is honorary co-chair of the campaign of state Sen. Kai Kahele, who seeks to replace her. Abercrombie criticized Gabbard for missing many votes in the House during her campaign for President. In October, Gabbard stated she would not seek reelection to Congress, and would continue with her presidential campaign.

Kai Kahele is running for Gabbard's seat.

     Said Abercrombie, "Whatever her future holds in terms of a presidential campaign, I think in order for the people of Hawaiʻi to be properly represented, she should resign the seat and allow a special election to take place."
     Ilihia Gionson, Gabbard's Hawaiʻi Island liason, responded: "Just this session, she has secured major legislative wins for Hawaiʻi, including better reporting on Red Hill aquifer protection, consultation between the military and Native Hawaiians, helping our veterans affected by toxic burn pits, opportunities for defense contracting for Native Hawaiian companies, and more. Her pursuit of the highest office in the land has not compromised her and her team's commitment to serving the people of Hawaiʻi in her fourth term in Congress."

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