HILO, Hawai'i — Hawai'i's Democrats stepped back to tradition last night with a "grand" political rally here steeped in sentiment as thick as the humid Big Island air.

The event at Bayside Mo'oheau Park bandstand traditionally culminates every primary campaign for the Democrats.

Most of the candidates for the 2nd Congressional District race were on hand as were gubernatorial candidates Randall Iwase and William Aila and their running mates.

The two Democrats competing for the U.S. Senate nomination did not appear.

But the uninvited guests at the party were Republicans, both local and national.

For all the fist-pumping partisan rhetoric, it was clear that these loyal Democrats face a stark political reality.

The Republicans control the White House, both houses of Congress and the Hawai'i governorship.

That picture is not likely to change with this election.

So the real emphasis last night was on party building.

Party chairman Mike McCartney said he's going to "get busy" the first thing tomorrow morning after the dust of the primary election settles, to ensure candidates who don't make it to the next round remain active in party affairs.

That point was underlined by Congressional candidate Brian Schatz in his brief remarks to the crowd.

"Nine out of 10 campaigns will be disappointed," Schatz said. "We're going to have to get together and win the general election."

That task begins tomorrow morning when the Democratic winner takes on the victor in the Republican contest for Congress between Bob Hogue and Quentin Kawananakoa.

Perhaps the most fiery rhetoric of the evening came from Congressman Neil Abercrombie, who exhorted the crowd of about 400 not to forget their Democratic roots and their Democratic values.

"We know who we are and we know what we stand for," said Abercrombie, who flew directly to the Big Island from Washington, D.C. for the event.

As has been the case throughout the campaign, the candidates were generous in their praise of each other and similar on the issues.

"We sound alike because we are all very good Democrats," said Congressional candidate Colleen Hanabusa.

If anyone came in for a heavy hit last night at this very partisan event it was President George Bush.

"2006 represents the year when our country says enough — stop George Bush," said Congressional candidate Mazie Hirono.

The warm feelings from last night's rally sent everyone home in a good mood; even Case and Akaka supporters were hugging and slapping each other on the back.

Reach Jerry Burris at jburris@honoluluadvertiser.com.