The story of Sergio Alcubilla candidate for Congress in Hawaii’s CD1, reminds me of “The Little Engine That Could”.

I am guessing you have either read it to your children or perhaps when you were a child remember it being read to you?

It’s a “Classic story of the little blue engine that comes to the rescue when the train taking supplies to the good children over the mountain breaks down.”

In a world where Nina Turner says “any ole blue won’t do” we know by now that Sergio is blue to the core, unlike his Blue-Dog opponent Congressman Ed Case who stopped in its tracks the “Build Back Better” plan – just as it was preparing to cross the mountain peak of Congressional approval.

The Build Back Better plan would have provided hearing, dental, and vision coverage to all Medicare recipients. It would have supported childcare for families in need, and it would have made possible a college education for every single high school graduate regardless of their ability to pay. All of this and much more was lost due to the action and inaction of Case and his Blue-Dog Caucus

The Hawaiʻi Democratic Party itself passed a Resolution saying that Case’s actions “do not reflect the values and principles” of the party.

According to Wikipedia, “In the tale, a long train must be pulled over a high mountain after its locomotive breaks down. Larger locomotives, treated anthropomorphically, are asked to pull the train; for various reasons they refuse. The request is sent to a small engine, who agrees to try. This small engine succeeds in pulling the train over the mountain while repeating the motto: “I-think-I-can”.”

With real-life imitating this classic tale, the whispers among Democratic Party stalwarts were rife at the time with speculation as to “who might step up” to run against Case? What Democrat who truly believed in the values of the Party was going to challenge him?

Not one of the “larger locomotives” was willing to take up the task. All the usual suspects, those with name recognition, those who had money or access to money, those with connections to the movers and shakers – not one of these larger locomotives was willing to move out of the comfort of their garage.

But Sergio Alcubilla, a graduate of Richardson School of Law, a public interest attorney with immigrant roots, a young family man with a keen sense of responsibility to do more for his community said, “I think I can” which translated quickly to “I know I can”.

9 months ago Sergio Alcubilla was virtually unknown in the world of Hawaiʻi politics. He had no previous campaign experience and unlike his well-funded opponent, his campaign account began at zero – with a firm commitment to reject large corporate campaign donations. Sergio’s campaign would be a people’s campaign, not one fueled and managed by insiders and big business.

He has worked tirelessly since that moment, knocking on countless doors, holding signs across the district, and building a diverse grassroots network of volunteers and supporters.

The hard work has paid off with the campaign garnering the endorsement of:
* Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association (watch/listen to @3.5 minute mark Sergio)
* ILWU, Local 142
* ILWU, International
* Unite Here, Local 5
* Hawaiʻi State AFL-CIO
* Our Revolution, Hawaiʻi
* Hawaiʻi 350.org
* Hawaiʻi Ports Maritime Council
* Inland-boatmen’s Union of the Pacific
* Americans for Democratic Action, Hawaiʻi Chapter
* Pono Hawaiʻi Initiative
* Seafarers International Union of North America
* Sailors Union of the Pacific
* Marine Firemen’s Union
* Hawaiʻi Nurses Association Local 50
* Blue America

*Sergio has also taken the Our Hawaiʻi Pledge, to stand with the people of Hawaiʻi and not corporate greed.

“The story of the little engine that could has been told and retold many times. The underlying theme is the same—a stranded train is unable to find an engine willing to take it over difficult terrain to its destination. Only the little engine is willing to try and, while repeating the mantra “I think I can, I think I can”, overcomes a seemingly impossible task.”

To go all the way, up and over the peak that is before him – Sergio needs your support. He needs you to spread the word, to volunteer, and he needs your financial support to fund TV ads during the crucial next few weeks.

Can you help today with an online contribution so Sergio can get the critical TV time needed prior to the ballots being mailed out on July 20th?

The cost of a single 30-second TV spot on the morning news is $300, and the late afternoon prime-time hour is $700. Any help you can offer today and before July 20th is especially needed. Can you by chance contribute 1 or 2 or 3 TV spots?

Whatever the contribution – all are welcome.

ReviewSergio’s background and issue priorities. Watch this short campaign video to get a true sense of who he is. Do your homework. I trust you will agree – Sergio Alcubilla is by far the best choice to serve us in Congress.

We can do this. I know we can.

Sincerely,
Gary Hooser http://www.garyhooser.com
Former Hawaiʻi State Senator

Sergio is a good man. If you haven’t figured it out already, read my blog: Why I’m Choosing Sergio Over Ed Case.

Why do I do this you might ask? Why use my time and my money small though it may be, to support Sergio? I’m holding two of the main answers right here, one in each arm.