POLL Daily Kos March 22: Aiona 42% – Hannemann 42% 

SA: Aiona has not ruled out Run for open CD2 seat, Hannemann might run for CD2

Hirono's Senate campaign will create an open seat next year in the 2nd Congressional District, which covers parts of Central, Leeward and Windward Oahu and the neighbor islands.

Former state Senate Majority Leader Gary Hooser, who lives on Kauai and now leads the state Office of Environmental Quality Control, Big Island state Sen. Josh Green and Windward state Sen. Clayton Hee are among the Democrats who might be interested.

Hannemann, who lives in Aiea, in urban Honolulu's 1st Congressional District, might run for the U.S. House if he passes on a Senate campaign.

Former Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, who lives in Kapolei, said he has not ruled out a possible run. "I've learned never to say never," he said.

Former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou said he is not actively planning a campaign next year, and would not run in the 2nd District unless the Reapportionment Commission redraws the boundaries in a way that includes his East Honolulu home.

CB: Slom, Thielen say no to CD2

The candidate: Sen. Sam Slom

What he has to say about it: "No, not at all. I'm happy in the (state) senate. I'm happy in private industry. People have asked me, and I'm flattered. But aside from that, who wants to live in Washington? So, no, not at all, zero chance."

The candidate: Rep. Cynthia Thielen

What she has to say about it: "I had a very vigorous campaign — what was it, five years ago when I ran? It was a very vigorous six-week campaign. It was a wonderful experience, but I won't do it again. I wish you'd call my daughter, though. I think she would make a wonderful senator."

[Note to Rep. Thielen: We did call your daughter, former chair of the State Department of Land and Natural Resources, and she had a good laugh before telling us she's not running.]

Daily KOS: Hanabusa won’t run for Senate, may switch to CD2

“I suspect this means that Hirono's fellow House member, Colleen Hanabusa, won't be getting into the race, though other entrants (like former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann) are possible…. This move also will set off a big chain-reaction to fill Hirono's 2nd district seat. The list of names likely to express interest here will be long, and it's even possible that Hanabusa herself could switch over here, since she's actually from HI-02.”