Case is better in Senate for mainstream Hawaii (September 14, 2006)

• [H]is explanation that Hawaii needs to avoid a sudden loss of clout in the Senate while moving beyond the stale, left-right political debate makes sense. Case receives our endorsement.
• Both Akaka and Sen. Daniel Inouye turned 82 years old this month, and their longevity in the Senate is limited. If both of their careers end at about the same time, Hawaii would be left with no seniority, the Senate measure of power.
• [Akaka's] seniority is modest -- 19th among 44 Democrats in the Senate -- and is not likely to grow significantly over another term
• It is time for a younger person to begin building seniority in the Senate in anticipation of Inouye's end of career, avoiding the debacle that beset Oregon in 1996 . . . Oregon went from first in seniority to 50th.
• Lacking any seniority at first, Case's influence will derive from his centrist stance on issues, enabling bipartisan bridge-building to counter the polarization that too often paralyzes Congress.
• During his years in Congress, Case has found time and energy to conduct more than 130 "talk story" community sessions with his constituents in the 2nd Congressional District.
• We have agreed with Case on nearly all issues, including his opposition to setting a time frame for withdrawal of troops from Iraq, regardless of the Iraq government's ability to achieve security and stability. Akaka has called for U.S. withdrawal from Iraq by next July, regardless of the consequences.
• The time has come for Hawaii to gain representation in the Senate for the next generation.- Honolulu Star-Bulletin

"[Case] is more apt and willing to work for compromise to the benefit of the whole. The current Hawaii delegation to Washington is complacent, out of touch and their votes are so partisan. Case is being taken to task for going outside the box, outside the good old boy network." Letter to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Bulletin.

"In his past two terms, Case has served the people of Hawaii with the same honor, vigor and patriotism as his predecessor, the late Patsy Mink. Case will no doubt serve as the next senator with as much diligence and distinction as the venerable Sen. Daniel Akaka, while guiding and championing Hawaii through the challenges and opportunities of the future. . . . As Hawaii looks toward tomorrow, Case alone has proved to have the vision and vitality to lead Hawaii to that tomorrow. Case has brought to his current office refreshing, innovative and well-reasoned ideas but -- most importantly -- he has delivered on what he has promised." Letter to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Bulletin

"Case has shown a willingness to vote what he thinks is right in Congress -- sometimes at odds with what Senator Inouye or the Democratic leadership of the House want. This makes Case someone who can and will be able to deal productively with Republicans early on in the Senate, rather than in 20 years when he might have sufficient seniority to gain some of the deference long-enjoyed by Inouye." Letter to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Bulletin

"Hawai'i voters finally have a choice for a U.S. senator that will bring to Hawai'i the fresh ideas and building of future seniority that we need. [He] will be able to be an understudy to Sen. Dan Inouye to learn the tools he needs to continue Hawai'i's demand for ever-increasing federal funding." Letter to the Editor, Honolulu Advertiser

"Case, a fiscal conservative, has worked particularly hard on issues ... that are important to his district. He has also been remarkably vigorous about staying in touch with his constituents ...." Honolulu Advertiser

"[Case's] thoughtful and energetic efforts deserve his return for a second full term." Honolulu Star-Bulletin

"Case better represents the will of the people of Kaua‘i. While we don't agree with all his stands on the issues, we feel he is the right man this election to represent us in Congress." Garden Island

"Ed Case ... repeatedly has demonstrated thorough knowledge of the issues, and he's shown that he's not afraid to take on fights that might not be popular.” Hawai‘i Tribune Herald

"[Case] is a hardworking, responsible and responsive representative who has done well in keeping us abreast of concerns facing his constituents. ... Case is well-versed on many diverse issues and prepared to act in those regards in our interest …." West Hawai‘i Today

"We doubt there are many members of Congress so in touch with their constituency or equal to his quick grasp of issues and his sharp intellect." Hawai‘i Island Journal

"[Case is] the first representative in history to make it a practice to visit, in person, the areas that he represents and to listen to the concerns of the people living there." Puna News

"Born and reared on the Big Island, Case is ingrained in the needs of the neighbor islands, which comprise most of the 2nd District. . . . Case's main opponents have clung to the politics of the past, adhering to the desires of powerful interest groups ranging from labor unions on the left to corporate political action committees on the right. Case seeks to find solutions that will extend to people of all circumstances throughout Hawai‘i and the nation." Honolulu Star-Bulletin

"[Ed Case] best represents the combination of independence, experience and drive that will serve Hawai‘i well . . . in tune with the state's needs, economic as well as social . . . someone with strength of conviction and the ability to think independently, thousands of miles away . . . an ability to see complexity and deal with it . . . With his fresh thinking, deep Island roots (his family has been here for four generations), enthusiasm and desire to serve, Ed Case represents the best choice to represent Hawai‘i …." Honolulu Advertiser

"Case is impressive. Born and raised on the Big Island, his service in the state legislature has been outstanding. He's come down on the right side of most issues involving the environment, social concerns and financial matters, and he's done it while avoiding the blind, party-line allegiance to the Democratic Party that other legislators demonstrate." Hawai‘i Island Journal

"Case clearly captured the imagination and the hopes of Hawai‘i in the just-completed campaign for governor . . . . He is in tune with Hawai‘i and its needs, both locally and nationally." Honolulu Advertiser

". . . We believe it is time to pass the torch to a new generation. We recommend a vote for Ed Case in the Nov. 30th Special Election to put the past behind us and move into the future." Moloka‘i Dispatch

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