A press release from state Sen. Malama Solomon Sunday (Aug. 12), presumably regarding opponent Lorraine Inouye‘s decision to hold off on conceding their state Senate contest:

Ho’omaika’iana — congratulations to ALL candidates in yesterday’s exciting and hard-fought primaries. I am proud to stand with fellow Hawai’i Democratic Party members in support of our winning nominees, but there are no losers here. Such competitive races only demonstrate the passion, commitment and determination our Party has been known for, for generations.

I would like to also like to recognize and credit the dedicated poll workers on Hawai’i Island, many of whom worked 15-hour days, in order to keep the polling places open and help make sure that as many people as possible had the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.

Once again, my personal thanks and aloha to everyone who has supported us in our campaign—with a special mahalo nui to Lorraine Rodero Inouye for helping us bring home a critically important point: every single vote counts. 

We can’t take the election process for granted, or leave it up to “somebody else” to make the decisions for us. Please, encourage your friends and family to register and vote in the General Election. Every single vote counts. Your vote matters. You matter. I believe in you and I appreciate your faith in me.