HONOLULU, HI – A distinguished airline pilot and retired Navy Officer is announcing that he will seek the Hawai`i Republican Party nomination to challenge incumbent Democrat Representative Mazie Hirono for the 2nd Congressional District seat in the 2010 General Election. John Willoughby, a 51 year-old proponent of lower taxes, smaller government, and unconditional Congressional accountability, is a member of the Airline Pilots Association - - a labor union that has supported Hirono in past elections.
Hirono, 61, has held the seat since winning a 10-way Congressional election in 2006 with 21.8% of the vote and has consistently voted to support higher taxes and increased government spending.
According to Willoughby, “The first day in office we will submit tax reform legislation that will increase the take home pay of 40% of military and Hawai`i families by an average of $4,700 a year. This will result in a $940 million annual infusion into the state economy - - money that will stay here in the islands where it is needed, in the pockets of those who earned it, and it won’t cost taxpayers one dime.”
Willoughby also intends to fight efforts currently underway in Hirono’s House Committee on Labor and Education to nationalize America’s retirement system. Her efforts would eliminate $80 billion in annual 401(k) and Individual Retirement Account (IRA) tax credits. Hirono favors a government-controlled retirement account that supplements Social Security with a small monthly stipend.
Additionally, Willoughby vows to fight unjust immigration reform. Current efforts in Congress would allow tens of millions of illegals on the mainland to receive preferential treatment over Hawai`i families whose legitimate immigrant family members have been waiting years for immigration relief. Additionally, he will vigorously support a strong national defense and fight to ensure safe, secure, and drug-free borders while vowing to uphold a swift and sure response to terrorist aggression.
Even before taking his seat in congress, Willoughby plans to launch a bold new public service and education initiative by building partnerships with the business community that will drastically improve Hawaii’s beleaguered public school system.
Willoughby also wants to make a clear distinction that, unlike Hirono, he is not a “career” politician. He pledges that if elected, he will serve no more than two terms.
John and his wife Yong Hui have been married nearly 20 years. They live on Oahu with their two sons Josh and Jeremy. They also have an adopted daughter Su Jin, who is grown and lives on the mainland.