Hanabusa will apply for Senate vacancy, Abercrombie Will Not

AP: Rep. Colleen Hanabusa intends to apply for the Senate vacancy created by the death of Daniel Inouye of Hawaii.

A Hanabusa spokesman has confirmed the Hawaii congresswoman’s plans to The Associated Press.

Inouye said in a letter to Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie that his last wish was for Hanabusa to succeed him. Inouye died Monday from respiratory complications. The letter was dated that day.….

An Abercrombie spokeswoman says the governor plans to seek re-election in 2014 and has made clear his intention is for this job to be the last of his political career.

A spokesman for retiring U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka says Akaka also won’t apply. Jesse Broder Van Dyke says Akaka is supporting U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa for the job. 

(The cabal of Inouye and Akaka staffers want to work for her.  Will they be able to deliver much pork to their clients without Inouye?)

Related: www.TheRealHanabusa.com

RC: Hanabusa Appointment Would Risk House Seat

CB: Hanabusa: ‘Succession Will Be Determined In Due Time’

read … Will the Progressives Block Her?

If Dems, Abercrombie Act Quickly, Hirono Will be Junior Senator-for-Life

CB: If Gov. Neil Abercrombie appoints someone before Jan. 3 — the day 12 newly-elected freshman senators and possibly one appointee from South Carolina are scheduled to be sworn in — that individual will hold the seniority edge over the newbies.

This includes U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, who will be replacing retiring U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, and who is unofficially ranked at No. 92 out of 100 on the seniority list.

RCP: “…we’re electing our next senator-for-life in this process….”

CB: Abercrombie Asks Democratic Party For U.S. Senate Nominees

read … Politburo to Meet

Case Considering Run for Hanabusa’s Seat

The Hill: Djou is one of the few possible contenders Republicans have on a markedly shallow bench in Hawaii. He had less than $17,000 cash on hand at the end of November. But national Republicans could get involved in the race, because the GOP will have few other contests on which to focus its resources when the late-spring special election occurs.

Also potentially working in a Republican’s favor in the district is the fact that Hawaii’s special elections are winner-take-all. That means if multiple Democrats run and split the Democratic vote, a Republican could ride to victory with just a plurality, rather than a majority….

Any of the Democrats floated to replace Inouye could run in the 1st district, and at least one, Case, has indicated he would be interested in running in a special election, according to a person familiar with Case’s thinking.

read … The Hill