Hanabusa met with DSCC about primary vs. Schatz
Washington Post April 19, 2013 (excerpts)
Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-Hawaii), who is considering running in a 2014 primary against either Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie (D) or the man he appointed to the Senate, Brian Schatz, met with officials at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee on Thursday, according to three people with knowledge of the meeting.
Three people familiar with Hanabusa’s thinking said it’s very likely she’ll run for one of the two statewide offices (and not reelection), but said she hasn’t made up her mind about which one.
“She’s struggling mightily between governor and Senate and has not made up her mind yet, but should do so shortly,” said one person close to Hanabusa, who was granted anonymity to speak candidly about her plans. “Chances are pretty good that she won’t stay in her current job.”.…
Hanabusa has reportedly seen some favorable polling in both the governor’s race and the Senate race which, as many Democratic primaries in Hawaii do, would pit a Caucasian candidate against an Asian-American one.
While Schatz remains somewhat unknown following his appointment, Abercrombie has struggled with a poor approval rating that has made him susceptible to a primary challenge.
Either race would seem to be potentially fertile ground for Hanabusa.
If she were to run for Senate, it could cause headaches for the national party — forcing the DSCC to decide whether to back the appointed Schatz and potentially pitting it against the women’s group Emily’s List — but likely wouldn’t endanger the seat in the country’s bluest state.…
The DSCC hasn’t said whether it would back Schatz in the still-hypothetical primary, but DSCC Chairman Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) have both contributed to Schatz’s campaign.
read … Washington Post
Background: www.TheRealHanabusa.com
PR April 22, 2013: "We are supporting Sen. Schatz," a DSCC official said, speaking on background.
WaPo: Echoes Star-Adv
POLITICO: Hanabusa likely to enter Senate race, Dems Will Give no Money to Schatz