“Reality” vs. “Fantasy”

Dear Friend:

"All my life in public service I've believed in open, honest, inclusive government."

That's what I said at the close of the only statewide televised debate my opponent agreed to (closing below).

That was my commitment as your Congressman and State Representative. That will be my commitment as your U. S. Senator.

Open, meaning transparent, accessible, talking story.

Honest, meaning not just integrity but telling it like it is.

Inclusive, meaning a government that is truly of, by and for all of us and not just the few.

There are clear differences between me and my Democratic opponent here.

My congressional office welcomed all and answered your communications, and I did 172 Talk Story events around my district to stay in touch and bring your government to you. These were not her priorities.

I answered the questions in our debate while she didn't. I've been straight with you on our challenges and what I believe we need to do, while she's taken the easy way out.

(The Maui News observed: "Case is trying to run a campaign based on reality and Hirono is, well, either living in a fantasy world or pandering to the electorate.")

She's the choice of insider politics and I'm not.

Why does this matter? What does this mean to you?

Because we'll need strong effective leadership in DC over the next generation to face down our challenges together.

And strong effective leadership is leadership that first and foremost is open, honest and inclusive. Leadership that earns our respect and support, not our scorn.

I ask for your vote in the Democratic primary. We can change course and get this done.

Mahalo and aloha,

Ed Case

Close, Hawaii News Now Debate, July 26, 2012

Friends.

Mahalo! Mahalo for listening. Mahalo for caring.

I've had four loves in my life. Audrey and our family, our Hawai'i, our country and public service.

All my life in public service I've believed in open, honest, inclusive government.

Government that solves our challenges, that's truly of, by and for us and not just the few.

I've fought for that, so we can believe in our government and so the real lives of real folks can be better.

This election is about choices.

Do you believe Washington is doing the job for us?

Because I believe it's broken, and I will be part of the solution, not the problem.

Do you believe growing our economy and jobs must be number one?

Because I do, and I know how to do it.

Do you believe we must preserve Social Security and Medicare and take care of our needy?

Because I do, and I'll fight for solutions that'll work.

Do you believe Hawai'i needs good representation in DC over the next generation?

Because I do, and I'll stand up every day you let me serve you and get that job done.

We all know this is a critical election.

An election that will truly make a difference on our lives and the lives of our children and their children.

Between now and election day, what's really important?

What's really important is this.

Who can provide strong effective leadership for Hawai'i and our country in the Senate.

Who can do the job for us all, today and for the next generation.

I know I can, and I ask for your vote.

Mahalo and aloha!