2014 United States Senate special election in Hawaii
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County results Schatz: 60–70% 70–80% | |||||||||||||||||
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Elections in Hawaii |
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The 2014 United States Senate election in Hawaii took place on November 4, 2014, the general Election Day in the United States, concurrently with other elections to the United States Senate in other states as well as elections to the United States House of Representatives and various state and local elections.
Incumbent Democratic Senator Brian Schatz was appointed to the office in December 2012, following the death of longtime senator Daniel Inouye.[1] The special election determined who would serve the remainder of Inouye's term, which ended on January 3, 2017.
The Hawaii primary elections took place on August 9, 2014,[2] but the Democratic primary remained unresolved until August 15 due to areas affected by damage from Tropical Storm Iselle. Schatz narrowly fended off a primary challenge from U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa and then went on to defeat the Republican nominee, former State Representative Campbell Cavasso, in a landslide.
Background
Daniel Inouye announced that he planned to run for a record tenth term in 2016, when he would have been 92 years old.[3][4] He also said, "I have told my staff and I have told my family that when the time comes, when you question my sanity or question my ability to do things physically or mentally, I don't want you to hesitate, do everything to get me out of here, because I want to make certain the people of Hawaii get the best representation possible."[5] Inouye died on December 17, 2012.[6] Prior to his death, Inouye left a letter encouraging Governor Neil Abercrombie to appoint Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa to succeed Inouye should he become incapacitated.[7]
Hawaii law allows the Governor to appoint an interim Senator "who serves until the next regularly-scheduled general election, chosen from a list of three prospective appointees that the prior incumbent's political party submits". Abercrombie appointed the Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii Brian Schatz as U.S. Senator, citing Hanabusa's seniority on the United States House Committee on Armed Services as a chief reason not to appoint her to the position.[8]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Brian Evans, singer and candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2004[9]
- Colleen Hanabusa, U.S. Representative[10]
- Brian Schatz, incumbent U.S. Senator[11]
Declined
- Esther Kia'aina, Deputy Director of the Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources[11]
- Gil Kahele, State Senator
Endorsements
- Politicians
- Barack Obama, President of the United States[12]
- Michael Bloomberg, former Mayor of New York City[13]
- Al Gore, former Vice President of the United States[14]
- Tom Harkin, U.S. Senator (D-IA)[15]
- Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader (D-NV)[12]
- Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Senator (D-MA)[16]
- John D. Waihee III, former Governor of Hawaii[17]
- Organizations
- Council for a Livable World[18]
- Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters[17]
- League of Conservation Voters[19]
- National Weather Service Employees Organization[18]
- Ocean Champions[18]
- Sierra Club[20]
- Newspapers
- Politicians
- Daniel Akaka, former U.S. Senator (D-HI)[22]
- Irene Hirano, widow of Senator Inouye[23]
- Celebrities
- Organizations
Debates
- Complete video of debate, July 14, 2014
Polling
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Brian Schatz |
Colleen Hanabusa |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
QMark Research^ | February 2013 | 500 | ± 4.38% | 32% | 54% | — | 13% |
Clarity Campaigns^ | June 10–11, 2013 | 771 | ± 3.53% | 35% | 46% | — | 19% |
Civil Beat | June 18–20 & 24, 2013 | 869 | ± 3.3% | 36% | 33% | 9% | 23% |
Mellman Group* | June 26–30, 2013 | 600 | ± ?% | 38% | 37% | — | 25% |
Civil Beat | October 9–10, 2013 | 549 | ± 4.2% | 38% | 36% | — | 26% |
Mellman Group* | January 7–13, 2014 | 800 | ± 3.5% | 41% | 37% | — | 22% |
Hawaii Poll | January 29 – February 3, 2014 | 528 | ± 4.3% | 40% | 48% | — | 11% |
Civil Beat | February 12–15, 2014 | 643 | ± 3.9% | 40% | 40% | — | 20% |
Public Policy Polling | May 9–11, 2014 | 606 | ± 4% | 49% | 34% | — | 17% |
Civil Beat | May 18–19, 2014 | 520 | ± 4.3% | 44% | 39% | — | 16% |
Public Policy Polling | July 23–24, 2014 | 410 | ± ? | 49% | 39% | — | 11% |
Civil Beat | July 24–28, 2014 | 895 | ± 3.3% | 49% | 41% | — | 10% |
Hawaii Poll | July 21–29, 2014 | 458 | ± 4.6% | 42% | 50% | — | 8% |
- * Internal poll for Brian Schatz campaign
- ^ Internal poll for Colleen Hanabusa campaign
Delay in election result
Primary elections in Hawaii were held on August 9, 2014. However, two precincts in Puna on Hawaiʻi Island did not open due to damage from Hurricane Iselle, and the approximately 8,255 voters in those precincts instead voted on August 15.[26] The two leading Democratic candidates, Colleen Hanabusa and Brian Schatz, were initially separated by only 1,635 votes, meaning that the outcome was officially uncertain until voting in Puna was finished.[27][28] However, an analysis by Hawaii News Now showed that Hanabusa would need to win approximately 65% of the vote in the outstanding precincts to overtake Schatz, something she had not managed in any other precinct in the state.[29] Thus, Schatz was seen as the likely winner.[30] After voting in Puna was completed, Schatz was declared the winner by a slightly increased margin of 1,769 votes.[31] Hanabusa conceded on August 19.[32]
Results
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Brian Schatz (incumbent) | 115,445 | 48.5% | |
Democratic | Colleen Hanabusa | 113,663 | 47.7% | |
Democratic | Brian Evans | 4,842 | 2.0% | |
Democratic | Blank vote | 3,842 | 1.6% | |
Democratic | Over vote | 150 | 0.2% | |
Total votes | 237,942 | 100.0% |
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Campbell Cavasso, former State Representative and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2004 and 2010[34]
- Harry Friel, businessman
- Eddie Pirkowski, candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2006, 2010 and 2012[35]
- John Roco, founder of Saint Damien Advocates and candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2010 and 2012[36]
Declined
- Charles Djou, former U.S. Representative (running for HI-01)[37]
- Linda Lingle, former Governor of Hawaii and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2012[38][39][40]
Results
Vote totals listed do not include two precincts that will vote on August 15.
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Campbell Cavasso | 25,874 | 59.00% | |
Republican | John P. Roco | 4,425 | 10.00% | |
Republican | Harry J. Friel, Jr. | 3,477 | 8.00% | |
Republican | Eddie Pirkowski | 2,033 | 5.00% | |
Republican | Blank vote | 8,306 | 18.00% | |
Republican | Over vote | 34 | 0.08% | |
Total votes | 44,149 | 100.00% |
Libertarian primary
Candidates
- Michael Kokoski
Results
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Libertarian | Michael Kokoski | 568 | 79.89% | |
Libertarian | Blank vote | 143 | 20.11% | |
Total votes | 711 | 100.00% |
Independent primary
Candidates
- Joy Allison
- Arturo Pacheco Reyes
Results
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Independent | Joy Allison | 388 | 34.8% | |
Independent | Arturo Pacheco Reyes | 184 | 16.5% | |
Independent | Blank vote | 540 | 48.4% | |
Independent | Over vote | 3 | 0.3% | |
Total votes | 1,115 | 100.0% |
Neither of the candidates polled enough votes to meet Hawaii's strict criteria for independents to participate in the general election.[41]
General election
Predictions
Source | Ranking | As of |
---|---|---|
The Cook Political Report[42] | Solid D | November 3, 2014 |
Sabato's Crystal Ball[43] | Safe D | November 3, 2014 |
Rothenberg Political Report[44] | Safe D | November 3, 2014 |
Real Clear Politics[45] | Safe D | November 3, 2014 |
Polling
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Brian Schatz (D) |
Campbell Cavasso (R) |
Other | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CBS News/NYT/YouGov | July 5–24, 2014 | 1,087 | ± 3% | 58% | 22% | 15% | 5% |
CBS News/NYT/YouGov | August 18 – September 2, 2014 | 655 | ± 6% | 62% | 27% | 0% | 10% |
Rasmussen Reports | September 9–10, 2014 | 750 | ± 4% | 60% | 28% | 6% | 7% |
Civil Beat | September 11–14, 2014 | 1,055 | ± 3% | 62% | 25% | — | 13% |
CBS News/NYT/YouGov | September 20 – October 1, 2014 | 1,319 | ± 4% | 78% | 22% | 0% | 0% |
Ward Research | October 11–18, 2014 | 605 | ± 4% | 71% | 20% | — | 10% |
Civil Beat | October 16–19, 2014 | 1,221 | ± 2.8% | 55% | 29% | — | 16% |
CBS News/NYT/YouGov | October 16–23, 2014 | 1,002 | ± 6% | 70% | 18% | 1% | 11% |
Results
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Brian Schatz (incumbent) | 246,827 | 69.78% | −5.03% | |
Republican | Campbell Cavasso | 98,006 | 27.70% | +6.13% | |
Libertarian | Michael Kokoski | 8,941 | 2.52% | +1.72% | |
Total votes | 353,774 | 100.00% | N/A | ||
Democratic hold |
References
- ^ "Who Is Brian Schatz, the New U.S. Senator From Hawaii? - David A. Graham - The Atlantic". Retrieved July 30, 2014.
- ^ "2014 Calendar of Elections". Hawai'i Office of Elections. Retrieved March 9, 2014.
- ^ Manu Raju and John Bresnahan (April 12, 2011). "Sen. Daniel Inouye goes silent on big Hawaiian race". Politico.
- ^ Hamilton, Chris. "The Maui News — Inouye has more he wants to do for (Hawaii Senator emphasizes need for Democrats to remain in control)". The Maui News. The Maui News. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
- ^ Mizutani, Ron (April 26, 2010). "Sen. Akaka: "God willing, I Plan to Run Again in 2012"". KHON2. Archived from the original on July 13, 2011. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
- ^ "Hawaii Sen. Daniel Inouye dies at age 88". Washington Post. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
- ^ "CNN: Inouye gave preference for successor before he died". CNN.com. December 18, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
- ^ Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz to Replace Inouye in U.S. Senate | Hawaii Reporter
- ^ Rousseau, Morgan (March 13, 2014). "'At Fenway' crooner Brian Evans running for Hawaii's U.S. Senate". Metro. Archived from the original on March 15, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
- ^ "Rep. Colleen Hanabusa to challenge Sen. Brian Schatz in 2014 primary". Hawaii News Now. April 23, 2013. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
- ^ a b Former Congressman Ed Case Joins Growing List of Democrats Applying for Inouye’s U.S. Senate Seat | Hawaii Reporter
- ^ a b Jennifer Bendery (March 31, 2014). "Obama Endorses Brian Schatz In Hawaii's Heated Senate Democratic Primary". The Huffington Post. Retrieved March 31, 2014.
- ^ Chad Blair (December 3, 2013). "Bloomberg to Headline Schatz Reception in Honolulu". Civil Beat. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
- ^ Terkel, Amanda (July 21, 2013). "Al Gore Endorses Brian Schatz In Hawaii Democratic Senate Primary". Huffington Post. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
- ^ KPUA: Harkin backing Schatz in Hawai`i Senate race Archived February 11, 2015, at the Wayback Machine. July 17, 2013. Accessed February 11, 2015.
- ^ "Elizabeth Warren Sends Fundraising Letter For Brian Schatz". The Huffington Post. June 3, 2014. Retrieved May 29, 2014.
- ^ a b "Abercrombie, Schatz receive endorsement for upcoming election | More Local News - KITV Home". Kitv.com. July 2, 2014. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Brian Schatz has been endorsed by..." Archived from the original on October 15, 2013. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
- ^ [1] Archived October 15, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Blair, Chad (September 1, 2013). "No Surprise: Hawaii's Sierra Club Backs Schatz". Honolulu Civil Beat. Archived from the original on December 5, 2013. Retrieved September 4, 2013.
- ^ "Hawaii News, Honolulu, Honolulu News, Sports, Editorial, Features, Travel and Business - Honolulu Star-Advertiser - Hawaii Newspaper". Retrieved July 30, 2014.
- ^ Former Senator Daniel Akaka endorses Colleen Hanabusa for 2014
- ^ Scheuring, Ian. "Wife of late Sen. Inouye backs Hanabusa for Senate". Hawaii News Now. Retrieved May 3, 2013.
- ^ Fox, Chloe (December 9, 2013). "George Takei Endorses Hawaii Rep. Colleen Hanabusa". The Huffington Post. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
- ^ Burns, Alexander. "Colleen Hanabusa rallies EMILY's List support". Politico. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
- ^ Blair, Chad (August 11, 2014). "Hawaii Elections Office Announces Plan for Puna Voting on Friday". Honolulu Civil Beat. Peer News. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
- ^ Nakaso, Dan (August 11, 2014). "All eyes on Puna". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Oahu Publications. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
- ^ Grube, Nick (August 10, 2014). "Will Hanabusa's Push in Puna Be Enough?". Honolulu Civil Beat. Peer News. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
- ^ "Puna voters give edge to Schatz in close race with Hanabusa". Hawaii News Now. August 11, 2014. Retrieved September 8, 2014.
- ^ "Does Schatz have edge with remaining Hawaii voters?". Roll Call. August 11, 2014. Retrieved September 8, 2014.
- ^ DePledge, Derrick; Reyes, B.J. (August 16, 2014). "It's Schatz". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Oahu Publications. Retrieved August 16, 2014.
- ^ "Hanabusa Won't Challenge US Senate Election Results". Honolulu Civil Beat. Peer News. August 19, 2014. Retrieved August 21, 2014.
- ^ a b c d "Primary Election 2014 -State of Hawaii – Statewide" (PDF). Hawaii Office of Elections. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
- ^ Blair, Chad (October 22, 2013). "Civil Beat Poll — Schatz Has Narrow Lead Over Hanabusa". Honolulu Civil Beat. Retrieved October 23, 2013.
- ^ Nago, Scott (June 10, 2014). "Hawaii State Certified Filing Report" (PDF). State of Hawaii, Office of Elections. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
- ^ "John Roco announces candidacy for U.S. Senate Hawaii 2014". China Hawaii Today. Retrieved April 12, 2014.
- ^ Ian Scheuring (March 21, 2014). "State GOP chair confirms Djou congressional run". Hawaii News Now.
- ^ Colleen Hanabusa favorite for Daniel Inouye seat - Alex Isenstadt - POLITICO.com
- ^ James Hohmann (November 17, 2013). "GOP's third shot at Senate: Charm or bust?". Politico. Archived from the original on November 24, 2013. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
- ^ "Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle Returns to CSUN to Teach". CSUN Today. January 15, 2014. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
- ^ "No Independent Candidate Polls Enough Votes in Hawaii Primary to Advance to General Election Ballot". Ballot Access News. August 10, 2014. Retrieved October 27, 2014.
- ^ "2014 Senate Race Ratings for November 3, 2014". The Cook Political Report. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
- ^ "The Crystal Ball's Final 2014 Picks". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
- ^ "2014 Senate Ratings". Senate Ratings. The Rothenberg Political Report. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
- ^ "2014 Elections Map - Battle for the Senate 2014". Real Clear Politics. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
- ^ "Hawaii General Election 2014" (PDF). Hawaii Office of Elections. November 4, 2014. Retrieved December 18, 2014.