The Aiona-Finnegan campaign on Wednesday released a press release stating that state Rep. Roland Sagum, a Democrat who was defeated in the primary, has endorsed the Republican ticket.

Sagum, who represents Niihau as well as Lehua, Koloa and Waimea on Kauai, says, “Duke is the best person to serve as the next Governor of Hawai’i.”

Sagum’s comments came as part of a Connecting Communities event held on Kauai.

James “Duke” Aiona and Lynn Finnegan have held the events throughout the state during the general election campaign, which have featured other Republican candidates such as Charles Djou, John Willoughby and Cam Cavasso.

Rep. Sagum’s endorsement may come as a surprise to the Democratic Party of Hawaii, which does not allow its membership to support the opposition. According to the state Legislature’s website, Sagum is indeed a member.

Before the primary, some Democrats called for sanctioning Honolulu City Councilman Gary Okino, a Democrat running for the state House. Okino told supporters to vote for several “righteous” Republican candidates who shared his views. (Okino opposed civil unions.)

In the Aiona-Finnegan press release, Sagum is quoted as saying of Aiona, “He is a true leader with integrity and good judgment who is not afraid to make tough decisions, and he has bold plans that will move Hawai‘i forward; that’s why I am willing to cross party lines to show my support and help elect Duke as our next Governor.”

Sagum, who was elected in 2006, was one of 20 representatives of both parties to vote “no” on House Bill 444, the Hawaii civil unions bill that was vetoed by Gov. Linda Lingle in July.

Aiona and Finnegan oppose civil unions.

Sagum was defeated in the Democratic primary by Daynette “Dee” Morikawa and was the only incumbent to lose his office. Morikawa, who supports HB 444, faces Republican Phil Sterker in the general election for the District 16 seat.

According to the Hawaii Family Forum 2010 general election candidate survey, Sterker opposes civil unions.