Aloha to those of you who frequent this place.
Over the past few months, since first discovering the Daily Kos. I have tried to learn and to grow in my understanding of what drives this place and the people who come here. Though I have exchanged comments with many of you and email with some, it is likely that most of us will never meet, face to face. To be sure, if we ever have the opportunity to speak directly, please do not hesitate to broach the subject, and if you would like to speak personally you might even give me a call on my cell phone (808)-652-4279. You will find that I am extraordinarily accessible, for a Hawaii State Senator anyway. Perhaps it will be more difficult to maintain this level of accessibility as a member of Congress, but I pledge to you that I will try.
I am running for election to the U.S. House of Representatives because I would like to be an agent for change in Washington D.C. working for peace, fighting for justice and striving for sustainability. This may sound overly simple and somewhat high-minded to some, but this is what drives me.
At the risk of being repetitious (to those of you whom are familiar with my earlier postings) my background and credentials as a credible, worthy and electable candidate are summarized as follows:
As a second term Hawaii State Senator, I am a pragmatic idealist, having spent the past 8 years fighting for my constituents in Hawaii. My legislative track record is clear and unambiguous.
Americans for Democratic Action (Hawaii) ranked my voting record as the "most progressive" in the Hawaii State Legislature. The Sierra Club has included me in their endorsement roster and has ranked my voting record as the best of all candidates now in the race. I co-sponsored a state resolution against the war in Iraq BEFORE the war started and remain committed to bringing the troops home, now.
The Hawaii Primary will be held on September 23. Whoever wins Hawaii's Democratic Primary will likely become the next member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing the 2nd Congressional District. Some would argue that whoever wins the Democratic Primary, will serve as a good soldier for Democratic values and Democratic votes. I would argue that Hawaii and our nation needs and deserves more than just good soldiers. We need leadership and we need tireless and unflinching commitment.
This is what I am offering - total commitment. I am seeking election to Congress because I understand what is at stake, and feel the anguish of seeing our great country headed in the wrong direction at home and abroad. I want to help make things better.
Right now, our campaign is in a position to win but in order to do so we must push very hard these last two weeks. Most of this pushing involves raising money and spending it on radio, T.V. and print advertising. The unfortunate reality is that in modern campaigns, money is a key driver. While we have ran a strong and credible campaign so far, these last few weeks are critical and we need to raise significant amounts of new money in order to keep our message at the forefront.
As many of you have suggested, I have spent time during these past few months trying to get to know you and trying to share with you the thoughts, values and dreams that drive me. I have tried to be open and honest with you, so that you would truly understand who I am, why I am doing this and what I hope to accomplish.
I am here today, asking for your help and support.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to consider whether or not you might be able to support this campaign and help me, in my quest to make the world a better, more peaceful and more just place.
Any help you can offer is much needed and greatly appreciated.
Sincerely, gh
Gary Hooser
Hawaii State Senator and Candidate for U.S. House, 2nd CD
808-652-4279
gary@garyhooser.com
http://www.garyhooser.com
You can read my thoughts on Bush and the war by going here: http://www.dailykos.com/...
Interested in my ideas about creating a "Strategy for Peace"? See
http://www.dailykos.com/...
For information on my background, to contribute or to find out more: http://www.garyhooser.com
Gary Hooser for Congress
P.O. Box 1568
Lihue, HI 96766