Despite being President Obama's Hawai'i campaign chair, Senator Brian Schatz chose to break with the President and oppose the attack on Syria. Not surprisingly for a state whose delegation voted against the Iraq War, his constituents are demanding a No vote on the proposed attack.
BRIAN SCHATZ
United States Senator
For Immediate Release
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Contact: Julie McClain, (202) 228-1965
SCHATZ TO OPPOSE SYRIA MILITARY STRIKE
Honolulu, HI Today, Senator Brian Schatz released the following statement:
"I have weighed the expert briefings and analysis, and listened closely to the people of Hawaii. Though all of us are outraged by the Assad regime's use of chemical weapons, I have concluded that a military strike against Syria is not the answer. Therefore, I will oppose this resolution."
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Julie McClain
Press Secretary
Office of Senator Brian Schatz
O: (202) 224-6052
C: (202) 228-1965
www.schatz.senate.gov
Follow Senator Schatz on Twitter & Facebook
Schatz's primary opponent the current Hawai'i Representative, Colleen Hanabusa has also indicated opposition to attacking Syria.
Hawai'i Representative Tulsi Gabbard had respectful yet piercing questions for Secretary of State, John Kerry and General Dempsey. To the viewer it appeared that General Dempsey may have shared Gabbard's misgivings about the way forward should we launch missiles at Syria.
Although Rep Gabbard has not yet come out with a decisive "no" vote on the attack, she is open about her misgivings. She was active in calling for the President to seek Congressional approval and sent out a questionnaire to her constituents asking for their votes on whether to attack Syria. She said,
"once we are involved with our military, it’s likely that we will have to consider the extended role that we’ll play in any escalation or retaliations that occur."
Rep Gabbard went on to describe the Administrations path forward as "unclear".
Hawaii's remaining Senator, Mazie Hirono, has been conspicuously silent on Syria. Given her personal affinity for peace and the history of the Hawai'i delegation voting no on the Iraq invasion, bets are that she, too, will vote against attacking Syria.