Dear Friend:
In my last e-newsletter, I asked for your input on my decision whether to seek election as Hawai`i's Governor or U.S. Congressman in 2010. I'm deeply grateful for your tremendous response, not only through the survey and email replies but in many great conversations wherever I've been. Mahalo!
Here are the survey results so far. Around 40% favored Governor and 40% Congress, 5% said either, 5% favored another office (mostly U.S. Senate or Honolulu Mayor), 5% were undecided, and 5% said none of the above. (The latter suggested some alternatives, ranging from "dogcatcher" (do we actually elect dogcatchers anywhere?), to "the beach" (not a bad idea), to "take care of your wife" (Audrey swears that wasn't her response).)
Although there's no clear preference between "Washington, D.C. and Washington Place," these results are most encouraging and helpful. Even more valuable are the many separate comments on the whos-whethers-whys of not only 2010 but later elections. It's great political analysis, and demonstrates a keen interest among Hawai`i voters in our federal and state election choices throughout this crucial time of transition.
To answer a few questions on the survey, yes, the replies are anonymous, and there's just one reply per person. And no, there's no way of knowing for sure whether the replies are representative of Hawai`i voters. But this email list, which has grown way beyond its beginnings in my 2002 Governor candidacy, is very broad and diverse, the number of responses is far more than for any professional survey, and the additional information requested (age, residence, etc.) generally matches Hawai`i voters.
If you haven't replied to the survey, it's still open; just click on the survey link in my earlier e-newsletter. And I'd always welcome your further thoughts as I consider my decision.
Again, thank you very much for your consideration. Audrey and I and all of ours wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season!

With aloha,

Ed Case