Former President Bill Clinton blew through four islands yesterday [no pun intended, I'm sure] during a one-day trip to rally the Democratic faithful and pump them up for the Nov. 5 election.
The union rallies at the Kaua'i Veterans Center in Lihu'e, Baldwin High School on Maui, Neal Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu and at the Civic Auditorium in Hilo were promoted as a tribute to Patsy Mink, the congresswoman who died Sept. 28 during her re-election bid. But Clinton used the tribute as an opportunity to urge people to vote Democrat in this year's governor's race.
Clinton, wearing a lei and blue sport coat over black slacks and black shirt, gestured toward Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono and state Sen. Matt Matsunaga and said to the crowd, "I want you to elect the M&M duo [sounds like an ethnic slur to me!] over here in five days."
Clinton flew overnight in a private jet [whose, I wonder?] after attending memorial services in Minnesota for Sen. Paul Wellstone. On stage at the Blaisdell, he was surrounded by Hawai'i's most powerful Democratic politicians. "I flew overnight to come to you," Clinton said. "You know, anybody that comes to Hawai'i and stays a day and goes to four islands is a certified idiot." [if the lei fits, Blubba]
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And in the "no big surprise" category, from KITV:
HONOLULU -- The Hawaii Democratic Party is paying the huge bill for the Clinton visit. Public worker unions were originally going to cover the costs. The Republican Party said Democrats are breaking the law by coordinating the rallies with Mazie Hirono's campaign.
The event was planned for more than two months and originally, the Hawaii Government Employees Association and its parent union, AFSCME, were going to pay for the Clinton trip. However, Democrats said there was a last-minute change of plans that left them scrambling to pay a big bill for Bill.
HGEA paid for the rental of Kauai Veterans Center and other initial expenses for Clinton's visit. However, spokespeople for the union and Democratic Party said just about a week ago they decided that the state Democratic Party and not the public workers union should pay for the entire visit.
"It's possible that the union might have already given the maximum amount, and were concerned that if they gave more, they would go over the limits," Campaign Spending Director Bob Watada said.
The problem is that the events became political rallies for Hirono and the expenses would have greatly exceeded the $6,000 contribution limit to her campaign.
So the Democratic Party said it's now paying the approximately $100,000 tab for the Clinton visit, including his airfare, security, rentals and other expenses.
Republicans are crying foul. "It's a blatant violation of the law, in our opinion," Hawaii GOP Chairman Micah Kane said.
Breaking the law, Republicans say, because Hirono and running mate Matt Matsunaga are appearing with Clinton at the rallies. State campaign spending law says contributions on coordinated activities cannot exceed $6,000. The Kauai rally cost about $100,000.
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