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Posted: Monday, June 25th, 2012 8:01 AM HST

Hawaii primary likely to determine House race

By Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) — Political observers say the Democratic primary will likely determine who wins Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann and City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard are the best known Democrats. While there are six Democrats and two Republicans, University of Hawaii political scientist Neal Milner says the Democratic primary will be the election. The district covers rural Oahu and neighbor islands. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Monday early polls indicate Hannemann is the best known. He was mayor for six years before resigning in 2010 to wage an unsuccessful bid for governor. Milner says Gabbard's personal history has helped give her name recognition. She's a captain in the Army National Guard who served two Middle East tours.