April 10, 2011
Aloha!
I’m Ed Case, humbly announcing my candidacy for the United States Senate.
I’m running for the Senate because I believe we can and must do better, and that our Hawai‘i offers a better way forward for our country.
Hawai‘i has given me so much. The good fortune of being born to deep roots here, raised in the hometown values of Hilo, a lifetime in our unique diversity.
Parents who sacrificed to provide for us. A wonderful wife and partner in Audrey. Good kids. A rewarding legal and business career.
But Hawai‘i also taught me that there is always the obligation to give back, to my community and those not as fortunate.
I first went to Congress as a young man with Senator Spark Matsunaga. Later I served eight years in our Hawai‘i Legislature, fighting for a stronger economy, better schools, an accountable and affordable government. For change that equipped us for an uncertain future yet preserved our special Hawai‘i.
Back on Capitol Hill as your Congressman, I fought for fair treatment of Hawai‘i, preservation of our special places, energy independence and fiscal responsibility. At home we crisscrossed the state to bring your government to your doorstep.
Today's Washington, though, pits politics against people, gain today against responsibility tomorrow. Lost are the unity and results and progress we want and deserve.
Here at home, amidst our differences, we've done better at respecting and helping each other, of working for the common good. We know we’re part of something truly special, and we want to preserve it.
That same hope and purpose is what our country needs today in Washington. Yes, we have challenges, from better jobs and education to balancing our budget and leading our world.
We can and will overcome them, if we’re honest about where we are, where we must go, and how we’ll get there. It won’t be easy, but if we do it together we cannot fail.
It’s our country, our Hawai‘i, and our choice. And that’s worth fighting for, as your Senator.
Please join us now at www.edcase.com in reclaiming our today and tomorrow. I’m deeply grateful for your consideration, and we’ll see you along the campaign trail.
Mahalo!
Ed Case
U. S. Congressman (2002-2007)
Statement from Hawaii GOP Chairman Jonah Kaauwai:
"Ed Case entering the Senate race is not a surprise to anyone. This is his fifth run for a high level office in 10 years and shows that there is no end to his ambitions. He is just the first of many Democrats who will get into this race and try to preserve the political status quo in Hawaii. Hawaii will be much better served with a balanced congressional delegation and we look forward to providing voters with that option."
POLITICO: Ed Case jumps in Hawaii Senate race
Neither Democratic Reps. Colleen Hanabusa or Mazie Hirono have indicated their plans for the seat being vacated by the retiring Sen. Daniel Akaka.
Case and Hanabusa split the Democratic vote in last year's special election, handing the seat to Republican Charles Djou. Case, who faced opposition from members of the Democratic establishment, dropped his bid for a full term and Hanabusa went on to take back the seat in November.
Former Gov. Linda Lingle is seen as the Republicans best chance to flip control of the seat.
The Hill: Ex-Rep. Case 'humbly' announces Hawaii Senate bid
This will be Case's second bid for Senate. The Democrat challenged Akaka in the 2006 Democratic Senate primary and lost, 53-46. Many Democrats were offended that he made Akaka’s age -- the senator was 82 by Election Day -- an issue. Lingering resentment could hurt his chances.
Akaka announced in March he wouldn't seek another term in 2012.
Case is likely to face competition for the Democratic nod. Reps. Colleen Hanabusa and Mazie Hirono have expressed interest in running, and former Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz and former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann are also considered contenders.
Republicans are looking to former Gov. Linda Lingle (R), who indicated earlier this year that she would consider a Senate bid.
National Journal: Case Will Seek Akaka's Seat
Case hinted at a run in late March, releasing the results of a poll he commissioned and saying he would make a decision by mid-April.
After losing to Akaka in the 2006 primary, Case ran in the 2010 special election to take Gov. Neil Abercrombie's (D) old House seat. Case and now-Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D) split the Democratic base, allowing Republican Charles Djou to win with a plurality of the vote. Hanabusa later won the seat back for Democrats.
Case isn't likely to be the only well-known Democrat to enter the Senate race. Other possible candidates include the state's two members of Congress, Hanabusa and Rep. Mazie Hirono; former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann; Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz; and state Senate Vice President Donna Mercado Kim.
Anyone who runs against Case in the Democratic primary is likely to run to his left; he compiled a largely centrist record while in Congress, creating some enemies among the state's liberal Democratic base. Meanwhile, Case has publicly bucked the Democratic establishment -- and Sen. Daniel Inouye -- in both his last races, by challenging Akaka and running against Hanabusa.
Roll Call: Ed Case to Mount Hawaii Senate Campaign