The New York Times’ had a fun read about campaign slogans, and what they tell us about candidates. Specifically, the newspaper breaks down GOP presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich‘s latest slogan: “Unleash the American people, rebuild the America we love.”

As far as DC808 can tell, Hawaii candidates don’t have anything that can quite compare (and that may be a good thing). Hawaii candidates for federal office tend to take a minimalist approach. 

Rep. Colleen Hanabusa‘s re-election slogan: “Reform in Washington. Hope for Hawaii.”

Former Congressman Ed Case‘s U.S. Senate campaign slogan is simpler still: “Strong effective leadership.”

Republican John Carroll‘s U.S. Senate campaign slogan: “Common sense…Uncommon integrity.”

Judging from her Senate campaign site, former Gov. Linda Lingle doesn’t appear to have a slogan. No slogan on Rep. Mazie Hirono‘s Senate campaign site either (there’s still not much of anything on her site for that matter).

Judging from his website, former Rep. Charles Djou — who is challenging Hanabusa — appears to be without a slogan as well. Same goes for a slew of 2nd Congressional District candidates.

Then again, former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann lists 22 rules to live by — “Mufi’s Maxims” — that could be adopted. His No. 1 maxim sounds like it has the makings of a campaign slogan to us: “Be bold, be decisive, be flexible.” 

Picture this one on a Hannemann T-shirt: “Save your drama for your mama.” 

Finally, this Mufi maxim might be too long for a bumper sticker, but it’s worth sharing: “Half baked ideas, like half baked manapuas, are not good for you.”

Which slogans would you suggest for Hawaii candidates?