Mink Wins Primary Despite Controversy

Rep. Patsy T. Mink (D-Hawaii) survived an attack on her stand on same-sex marriage to easily win nomination for reelection in the Democratic primary, joining fellow incumbent Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) on the general election ballot. According to the unofficial final tally, Mink won 64,371 votes, or 60%, to state Sen. Robert Bunda’s 33,886. Abercrombie got 65,732 votes, or 72%, to political unknown Richard Thompson’s 25,905. Mink said she voted against the federal Defense of Marriage Act because it is unconstitutional. The act prevents federal recognition of same-sex marriages--unions that Hawaii is considering legalizing--and allows states not to recognize such marriages performed in other states.