DCCC won't rule out Hawaii endorsement

By ALEX ISENSTADT | 4/6/10 11:48 AM EDT

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen said Tuesday he wouldn't rule out making an endorsement in the May special election in Hawaii's 1st Congressional District.

As two Democrats — former Rep. Ed Case and state Senate President Colleen Hanabusa — compete against a single GOP candidate in the three-way election, Van Hollen didn't reject reports that the DCCC may swing behind Case's campaign.

"Our biggest focus is trying to expose [Republican Honolulu City Councilman Charles] Djou's Republican record," Van Hollen said after an event hosted by the Washington think tank Third Way. "I'm not saying we won't [endorse], but our focus is on exposing the Republican's record."

POLITICO reported Tuesday that the DCCC has contacted Hawaii Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka to inform them that the committee might support Case. Both senators have endorsed Hanabusa over the former congressman, who challenged Akaka in a 2006 Senate primary election.

The House seat became vacant when former Rep. Neil Abercrombie resigned to run for governor.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0410/35442.html#ixzz0kP4hv1XR

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