There were a total of 401 candidates that ran for elective office in 1998. Figures listed here include open seats in 1998 and total candidates running for those seats. The Commission considers these types of constituent communications as both ordinary and necessary expenses. However, one candidate cannot assist another candidate either through contributions or expenditures. Expenditures must be attributed to each candidate in proportion to the benefit received by the candidate, and joint contributions must be distributed in a proportional manner.
Money is the mother's milk of politics.
The Commission agreed with successful Council candidate Steve Holmes that his challenger Melodie Aduja violated certain provisions of the Code of Fair Campaign Practices. The Code requires candidates to not misrepresent, distort or otherwise falsify facts regarding a candidate, and asks that they refrain from use of personal vilification, character defamation, or other forms of scurrilous personal attacks. The Christian Coalition filed a challenge against the Hawaii campaign spending law in federal court. The Christian Coalition argues that the Hawaii law, which requires ballot issue committees to register and disclose finances is unconstitutional. The case which has national ramifications is pending before the court.