This latest ad makes note of the number of pardons Cayetano issued while he was Governor.
In its fourth television ad heading into the general election, PRP highlights the governor’s ability to set criminals free.
"But Ben Cayetano issued 203 pardons. More than any other governor, ever," the ad states.
Cayetano, did not dispute it.
"You know, I’m not ashamed of that. I’m proud of the pardons that I made," he said.
KHON2 confirmed with the Governor’s office, that Cayetano did issue the most number of pardons. They provided a different number: 204. That was out of 397 requests. But others, had a higher pardon percentage. Governor Waihee had the highest percentage with 72%.
"I think unlike any other administration, my administration had to struggle really hard with prison space," Cayetano said.
PRP already planned to air this ad, before learning of Cayetano’s libel lawsuit against them. The former governor is suing PRP and numerous others, claiming that these ads, flyers and push polls are part of a highly coordinated and well-funded plan to attack him with lies.
So far, Cayetano’s opponent has not had much to say on the issue. But today:
"I think enough already, you know locals say ’nuff already ’nuff, let’s move on," said Kirk Caldwell, candidate for Honolulu Mayor.
Caldwell says he does not like negative campaigning, but points out a difference between the candidates.
"I’m not going around filing any lawsuits on this issue. I believe the best way to address it, for me, and I’m talking about me personally, is grow a thicker skin," he said.
Caldwell recently received the support of Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle, through this television ad.
"Will we be stuck in the past with a candidate whose sole obsession is killing rail?" Mayor Carlisle said in the new ad.
Cayetano is not surprised by the endorsement. Caldwell says, he’s appreciative.
"We may have run a tough race and we gave people a clear choice, but at the end of the day, we’re two people who love our city. We both support rail," Caldwell said.
PRP says these ads are part of its efforts to fully inform voters about the candidates.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
