As September election approaches, the Hawaii Republican Party is weighing in to keep religious conservatives from crossover voting in a close democratic primary.
Religion has become a pivotal issue for some in the governor's election.
Leading candidates, republican Duke Aiona, a catholic, and Mufi Hannemann of the Mormon faith, have been vocal about the roles that faith or faith-based issues play in their politics. Democrat Neil Abercrombie is a confirmed Episcopalian has largely refrained from faith-based positions.
A recent survey by the Hawaii Catholic Conference shows Hannemann and Aiona aligned on the issues of most importance to that group.
Abercrombie did not respond to the survey.
And now a letter from Jonah Kaauwai, the chairman of the Hawaii Republican Party, to some in the Christian community, aims to keep religiously conservative voters pulling a republican primary ballot on September 18th instead of weighing in on the democratic race.
The letter to pastors says "Duke will win because the Church has been behind him the entire time operating the POWER and the AUTHORITY of the NAME OF JESUS!"
It goes on to read "Neither Mufi Hannemann nor Neil Abercrombie is righteous and a vote for either in the primary or general election is succumbing to fear and advancing unrighteousness!"
The party says the letter was in response to what they say are efforts by the Hannemann campaign to appeal to traditionally republican Christian voters.
"I think it was an important message to communicate that it was important for people who hold Christian values to stay home and vote on the republican primary. If that's what they were planning to do and not be deceived by a concerted effort by the Hannemann campaign to get crossover votes from that community,” said Dylan Nonaka of the Hawaii Republican Party.
The Hannemann campaign responded they'll let the letter speak for itself.
Abercrombie had no comment.
Aiona responded by saying he's running to serve all the people of Hawai'i regardless of their religion.
Both Aiona and Hannemann have made their faith known and are both reaching out to the religious community.
Hannemann in a recent profile said he prays about his decisions and often asks his staff to as well.
Aiona said, “Faith is a central part of my life. It will always be a central part of my life, and people know that." He added, "It's place in government is with me, it's personal."
