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Neil Abercrombie7th and current Governor of Hawaii
Date of Birth: 26.06.1938
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Neil Abercrombie: Life and Political Journey
- Academic Pursuits and Hawaiian Roots
- Political Beginnings and Congressional Tenacity
- Political Ideology and Legislative Highlights
- Governorship of Hawaii
- Personal Life and Achievements
Neil Abercrombie: Life and Political Journey
Born in Buffalo, New York, in 1938, Neil Abercrombie embarked on his educational journey at Union College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.
Academic Pursuits and Hawaiian Roots
After graduating, Abercrombie relocated to Honolulu, Hawaii, to pursue his Master's and Doctorate degrees in Sociology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. It was there that he befriended the parents of future US President Barack Obama.
Political Beginnings and Congressional Tenacity
In 1970, Abercrombie unsuccessfully ran for the US Senate as a Democrat. However, he was elected to the Hawaii State House of Representatives from 1975 to 1979, and later to the Hawaii State Senate from 1980 to 1986. After the resignation of Congressman Cecil Heftel, Abercrombie filled the vacant seat and served in the House of Representatives from 1986 to 1990.
Political Ideology and Legislative Highlights
Abercrombie is known for his liberal views. In 2002, he voted against the invasion of Iraq. He supports abortion rights, same-sex marriage, and civil liberties. Abercrombie served in the Honolulu City Council from 1988 to 1990 and was re-elected to Congress 10 consecutive times, winning with 70.6% of the vote in 2008.
Governorship of Hawaii
On November 2, 2010, Abercrombie defeated Republican nominee James Aiona to become the 7th Governor of Hawaii, with 57.8% of the vote. At the age of 72, he became the oldest sitting governor in the US until he was surpassed by Jerry Brown of California three months later.
Obama Birth Certificate Controversy and Recognition of Same-Sex Unions
Abercrombie played a significant role in refuting conspiracy theories about President Obama's birthplace, stating that he was present at his birth in Hawaii. In 2011, he signed a bill granting same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples and made Hawaii the 9th state to recognize civil unions.
Personal Life and Achievements
Neil Abercrombie is married to Nancie Caraway, a political scientist and feminist author. He is an avid weightlifter and holds a unique birthday tradition by bench-pressing 200 pounds plus his age. He resides in the Manoa Valley area of Honolulu, Hawaii.
