Campaigns & Elections Magazine Names Hawaii's Top 10 Political Influencers of 2012

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Campaigns & Elections named to top 10 Influencers of the 2012 Elections in its current issue. The top 5 Republicans and top 5 Democrats are listed below along with their reasons for being named.

Republicans

David Chang, chairman/CEO, Chang Holding Company

Chang Is the state GOP chairman and former legislative candidate. He’s helped Republicans fundraise through his business connections.

Harvey Harlowe Hukari, president, Political Communications

Splitting his time between San Francisco and Honolulu, Hukari is a sought-after advisor for his communications and direct mail skills.

Dylan Nonaka, partner, The Kahua Group

A former executive director of the state GOP, Nonaka now operates one of the few full-service GOP firms in the state.

John Allan Peschong, partner, Meridian Pacific, Inc.

Peschong has a wealth of national experience through stints at the RNC and Sen. John McCains presidential campaign. He also knows Hawaii and is a sought-after strategist, advising Gov. Linda Lingle and other top Republicans.

Keith Rollman, president, R Strategic Communications

He’s the go-to consultant at all levels for GOP candidates in Hawaii. Rollman is known for his advertising and communication specialties, but he also manages campaigns.

Democrats

Barbara Ankersmit, president, QMark Research

One of the top pollsters in the state, Ankersmit pioneered the use of focus groups in Hawaii.

John Radcliffe, owner, Radcliffe & Associates, LLC

A top lobbyist and consultant, he’s one of the best-known Democrats in the state.

Jennifer Goto Sabas, chief of staff to Sen. Daniel Inouye

Goto Sabas runs the senator’s political operation in Hawaii. She’s known as a heavy hitter with deep connections.

Linda Takayama, attorney, Hawaii 3Rs

Generally described as a major player in Hawaii, in those exact words. Takayama has managed campaigns for Sen. Daniel Inouye.

David Wilson, co-founder, McNeil Wilson Communications, Inc.

Together with his partner, David McNeil, Wilson is part of one of the top communications firms in the state.