HONOLULU (AP) — Democrat U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono has sailed to re-election by defeating a tea party Republican candidate in the race for the U.S. House seat representing Hawaii’s neighbor islands and rural Oahu. The 62-year-old Hirono outmatched John Willoughby
HONOLULU (AP) — Democrat U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono has sailed to re-election by defeating a tea party Republican candidate in the race for the U.S. House seat representing Hawaii’s neighbor islands and rural Oahu.
The 62-year-old Hirono outmatched John Willoughby by airing several TV ads and raising nearly $1 million.
The 52-year-old Willoughby, an airline pilot who had never before run for public office, relied on tea party groups’ support rather than fundraising and ads. He raised only about $19,000.
Hirono said she would prioritize early education, renewable energy and finding federal money for Hawaii programs.
She’ll also support transportation projects and Medicare funding.
