Obama got like 70% in HI in 2008, but that does not mean that only 30% of Hawaiians vote Republican. In 2004, President Bush got 44% in Hawaii, and that was after polls showed a single-digit race and scared Dems put GOTV on overdrive. And even if Obama got 70% again in 2012 (which he wont), it would be because he would once again con Hawaiians into voting for a native son, not because he increased liberal turnout significantly. Just like Nixons and Reagans huge majorities in 1972 and 1984, respectively did not tilt the electorate so much to the right that Democrats couldnt win Senate elections, Obama getting 60%-70% in HI (and I think that hell get less than that, maybe 58%) wont mean that 60%-70% of voters would prefer Hirono over Lingle, and you can rest assured that Obama wont be campaigning in HI when hell be fighting for his political life in PA, OH, MI, WI, MN, NH, FL, VA, NM, IA, NV and CO.
The open-seat Senate race in HI in 2012 gives us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to win a Senate seat in that state, and Linda Lingle would be the strongest possible Senate candidate. Maybe shell fall short of winning, but we wont know for sure unless she tries.
Impy, as you noted, Charles Djou is thinking of running for HI-01 again. Hes our best possible candidate there (I had identified him as such even before he announced for Abercrombies seat in 2009), and he should run a competitive race, especially if Hanabusa decides to enter the Senate race.
2012 could be the year in which we finally break through in Hawaii. We won’t know unless we try.
It would be so great if he didn’t crack 60% in any state.
I don’t think he’ll do it again here in IL.