KIHEI, Maui — Democratic state Rep. Joe Bertram III, 51, was ahead of Republican George Fontaine in early voting last night in the race for the 11th House seat (Kihei, Wailea and Makena).

The unconventional Bertram was a surprise winner in 2006 after GOP Rep. Chris Halford dropped out of politics, leaving the South Maui seat up for grabs.

Bertram's low-key attitude, ambivalence toward holding public office and politically risky agenda that includes gay marriage, medical marijuana and promoting vegetarianism, made him a target for the Republican Party, which enjoys support in the district's well-heeled resort communities and among the large population of mainland transplants.

For his part, Fontaine pounced on the incumbent's own admission that he was weak on financial issues.

Fontaine, 48, retired as a captain from the Maui Police Department in 2005, and is active in Rotary International. He is a past president of the Kihei Community Association and made his mark in the district addressing public safety issues.