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xchrom

(108,903 posts)
Mon Dec 24, 2012, 06:55 AM Dec 2012

Could a New, Young Potential Super Star Hawaiian Congresswomen Elect Get Appointed to the Senate?

http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/could-new-young-potential-super-star-hawaiian-congresswomen-elect-get-appointed



Way out there in Hawaii, our 50th state, 2,500 miles from the West Coast, there have been some interesting political developments, including the emergence of a potential political prodigy. Democrat Tulsi Gabbard became the first Hindu-American to enter the U.S. House of Representatives at age 31, after she soundly defeated Kawika Crowley of the Republican Party in Hawaii's second Congressional district in November. At 21, she was the youngest person to be elected to the Hawaii state legislature.

Gabbard is also a veteran of the Iraqi war, and one of the first of two female combat vets elected to Congress, having deployed to Iraq in 2004 with the Hawaii National Guard. She'll be joined in the House by Illinois Democrat Tammy Duckworth, who lost both legs when her helicopter was attacked in Iraq.

The emergence of Gabbard is especially relevant at the moment since, with the death of Senator Daniel Inouye, Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie must appoint someone to fill Inouye's seat. And who could be more exciting than Gabbard, who has a 67% approval rating across the state, and won her House race with 80% of the vote, and is seen by many as a leader with extraordinary potential and much media charisma?

Some national progressives and local advocates would love to see Abercrombie appoint Gabbard and really make a splash. Their logic goes something like this: Like Inouye, Gabbard volunteered at a young age to serve as a solider, under fire, in a time of national crisis. Like him, she has dedicated her life to a special brand of leadership — a work horse with the bridge-building skills to bring to Hawaii the attention, respect and resources that the state deserves. Many suggest that Gabbard is already an exceptional leader, with rare gifts who could best elevate Hawaii's profile.
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Could a New, Young Potential Super Star Hawaiian Congresswomen Elect Get Appointed to the Senate? (Original Post) xchrom Dec 2012 OP
Gabbard would be a daring, but brilliant appointment. DFW Dec 2012 #1
We can hope madokie Dec 2012 #2
A young person can rise to leadership, good for Hawaii. Coyotl Dec 2012 #3
Mitch McConnell bucolic_frolic Dec 2012 #4
In addition to her significant accomplishments, she is BlueMTexpat Dec 2012 #5
Seems like a good choice NewJeffCT Dec 2012 #6
K&R ReRe Dec 2012 #7
not too likely dsc Dec 2012 #8

DFW

(54,434 posts)
1. Gabbard would be a daring, but brilliant appointment.
Mon Dec 24, 2012, 08:16 AM
Dec 2012

She has the brains and the local support of her constituents. Abercrombie could do MUCH worse.

BlueMTexpat

(15,372 posts)
5. In addition to her significant accomplishments, she is
Mon Dec 24, 2012, 09:50 AM
Dec 2012

extremely easy on the eyes.

It would be wonderful to have her in the Senate.

NewJeffCT

(56,828 posts)
6. Seems like a good choice
Mon Dec 24, 2012, 10:01 AM
Dec 2012

but, wow, she was born a few months before I entered high school.

Could have a long career in the Senate, or else move up to Governor in the future. And, if she's in the Senate at 31 years old, she could end up as a potential VP pick down the road.

Her father is a "staunch social conservative" according to wikipedia.

ReRe

(10,597 posts)
7. K&R
Mon Dec 24, 2012, 10:09 AM
Dec 2012

What a wonderful and more appropriate candidate to possibly replace Dan I. in the Senate!
Good Luck to Tulsi Gabbard...

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