Hawaii, strong for Obama fifty days out

With fifty days to the election, Hawaii is leaning strong for Barack Obama, who claims the state as his first home and visits his grandmother there.  The latest available poll from SurveyUSA in Feb. 2008 placed Obama in the lead with 61% support, and with McCain at just 31%.

Hawaii voted Democratic in 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004 by almost always 50% or higher (in 2004, by 54%).  Hawaii has a Republican governor and two Democratic senators.  All of the state's U.S. Representatives are Democratic, as well as the large majority of its state legislators.  Despite its Democratic trends, Hawaii also sports a strong patriotism and often favors incumbents.  For this reason Hawaii became a battleground state in 2004.  Although there is not an incumbent president, Hawaii's preference for military and patriotic support may make this race closer than would be because of John McCain's military history and identity as an American war hero.  The election of Republican Linda Lingle as governor in 2002 after Democrats had held the office for 40 years also marks a striking moment in Hawaiian history.  Governor Lingle has enjoyed relatively high approval ratings.

Key issues in Hawaii currently have to do with the economy, the environment, and native Hawaiians' rights of governance.