Blog: Djou Scores Debate Victory

Statement

In the third and final broadcast debate of the special election in Hawaii's First Congressional District, Charles Djou scored a resounding victory over his two opponents. Highlighting his campaign themes of fiscal responsibility, job creation and government accountability, Djou clearly showed why the voters in the May 22 special election have a choice between the status quo in Washington, DC, or his fresh ideas and vision for Hawaii's future.

"As we enter the final week of our campaign, voters are more than ever embracing our message of fiscal discipline, lowering taxes and job creation because they are tired of Washington's runaway spending and higher taxes," said Djou. "People want change in Washington and my record of never voting for a tax increase exemplifies the straightforward representation Hawaii needs and wants. For the next eight days, I will continue to ask the people of Hawaii for their vote, so that I can go to Congress and stand up for you and all Hawaii families."

Djou's opponents attempted to deflect their records of tax hikes during tonight's debate by distorting a procedural vote in the Honolulu City Council earlier this week. In a second reading vote to continue debate on the upcoming Honolulu budget that will be voted on later this year, Djou voted to send the bill back to committee for further debate and amendment. Ed Case and Colleen Hanabusa's attempt at scoring political points on this procedural move by implying a property tax increase was included in the city's operating budget is simply wrong and indicative of the distorted campaigns they have been waging.

"It is disheartening that Ed Case and Colleen Hanabusa seem to be willing to do or say anything to get elected and it has been a pattern throughout this campaign," said Djou. "The attack ads run by them and their supporters have been called blatantly false by non-partisan organizations, but they continue to mislead. Hawaii voters deserve someone who is principled, straightforward and trustworthy. I stand on my record of never voting for a tax increase and that is the clear difference between my record and the records of both Ed and Colleen as they have repeatedly voted for higher taxes throughout their careers. Voters are tired of politics as usual. I'm hopeful that on May 22 we will send a message to Washington that their wasteful spending and high taxes on our families should end."

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