Legislative Turnover? Not Going to Happen

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The local GOP patted itself on the back last week, saying it has fielded candidates for nearly every state House and Senate contest.

Party leaders are realistic: They know there is virtually no chance to take control of either chamber of the Legislature. The Tea Party rage that is upending mainland races — and perhaps the U.S. Congress — is little evident here.

At best, the Hawaii Republican Party may chip away at the 23-2 Senate majority and 45-6 House majority enjoyed by the Democratic Party of Hawaii.

But history suggests it will be a difficult, possibly futile exercise. Similar GOP efforts to present voters with a deep electoral bench in recent years has actually resulted in the loss of seats — even with the leadership of a Republican governor.

Civil Beat sizes up the 2010 legislative races.

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