Matsunaga vows to run grass-roots campaign
HILO » Former state senator Matt Matsunaga is running for the 2nd District U.S. House seat being vacated by Rep. Ed Case in his bid for the U.S. Senate.
Speaking to about 30 supporters in Hilo yesterday morning, Matsunaga, 47, a Democrat, said he is "outraged" by questionable actions in Washington, naming Texas Congressman Tom Delay and lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who are under legal clouds for alleged influence peddling.
"Our federal government is not for sale," he said.
Referring to the USA Patriot Act, Matsunaga said, "It particularly troubles me that the current administration is using wiretapping and spying on American citizens, not just for national security but also for political purposes."
Matsunaga said he wants to see a "better balance" of security and respect for individual rights.
He also plans to work for "affordable and accessible" medical care and long-term care for citizens, he said.
The son of former U.S. Sen. Spark Matsunaga, who died in 1990, Matsunaga showed his own vote-getting ability in 2002 when he received more than 99,000 votes in the Democratic primary election for lieutenant governor, far outpolling any other candidate for governor or lieutenant governor.
Paired with gubernatorial candidate Mazie Hirono in the general election, he was defeated by the Republican team of Linda Lingle and James "Duke" Aiona.
Matsunaga was introduced at yesterday's event by the head of the Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council, George Yokoyama, known for his influence among recipients of his agency's services. But Yokoyama said his primary campaign work this year will be supporting U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka's bid for re-election. Case is challenging Akaka in the Democratic primary.
Matsunaga recognized that he has work to do, saying he will conduct a "truly, truly, truly grass-roots campaign."
Following his appearance in Hilo, he met with supporters on Kauai and in Honolulu.
Matsunaga will join several others who have already filed their nomination papers, including state Sens. Gary Hooser (D, Kauai, Niihau) and Ron Menor (D, Mililani), Rep. Brian Schatz (D, Tantalus, Makiki), Hanalei Aipoalani and Michael Powers.
Also Sen. Bob Hogue (R, Kaneohe, Kailua), Honolulu Prosecutor Peter Carlisle and Hirono say they are interested in running.
