HI-Sen: Inouye to Seek Re-Election

[ccharles000]

http://www.swingstateproject.com

I guess he's learned how to quit Ted Stevens:

Hawaii Democrat Daniel K. Inouye , the third longest-serving U.S. Senate incumbent, has affirmed his plans to run for re-election in 2010, rebuffing speculation that he might not choose to run for a ninth term at age 86.
"Make no mistake, I am a candidate for re-election in 2010. I am calling upon my friends and supporters to once again stand with me," Inouye said in a statement provided to CQ Politics. "I am taking nothing for granted in what I expect for be an exciting and vigorous campaign. I am looking forward to it."

Even though I'm not personally too fond of Inouye, this is probably for the best, since I'm a lot less fond of one of his would-be successors, former Rep. Ed Case. Case said he backs Inouye's re-election, so we won't be seeing him in the Senate any time soon.

Meanwhile, Gov. Linda Lingle (R) is term-limited, and it's possible she'll try running against Inouye. The coming vacancy in the statehouse might also prompt a round of musical chairs. In the simplest scenario, Case could run for governor himself. Alternately, if Reps. Mazie Hirono (HI-02) and/or Neil Abercrombie run for governor, Case might run for either of those two House seats. No matter what, decisions will have to be made soon.

So let me ask this: If Hirono or Abercrombie decide to try moving up, who do you like as replacements? I'd want to see State Sen. Colleen Hanabusa (who very narrowly lost the primary to Hirono in 2006) give it another shot if Hirono goes for HI-Gov. Your thoughts?

[Hippo_Tron]

1. Case mounted an absurd last minute primary challenge against Akaka last time

I feel like he destroyed himself doing that.

[FLAprogressive]

2. Ed Case is actually asking people what seat he should run for.....

http://edcase.com/campaign/campaign_central.php

Political opportunist.

Hopefully he doesn't win anything....he's a corporate shill.

[cali]

3. These guys just don't know when to gracefully exit

and I find that somewhat sickening. I love Senator Leahy, but if he runs for more than one more term (he's almost at the end of his 6h, and he's nearly 70} I won't be supporting him in that endeavor.

[terrya]

5. Just like Robert Byrd. Or Strom Thurmond.

They stay on...and on...and on...and on. I hate the idea of a career Congressman or Senator. Even if it's someone I like. And flame me if you wish, but that includes Ted Kennedy. The man has been in the Senate for almost 50 years.

It IS sickening.

[cali]

6. I'm much too fond of you to flame you.

simple as that.

[tabbycat31]

9. we just elected an 84 yo senator

he did have a primary challenger, but not a very good one. And I was not about to vote for a Republican.

[Alexander]

4. Thankfully Head Case is going to sit this one out.

I think Hirono could win the governor's race, but I don't want Head Case anywhere in the US Congress.

[Renew Deal]

11. At 86, I wouldn't count on anything.

:hide:

[ORDagnabbit]

7. please somone run against this stevens lover dino dem please please

[IndianaGreen]

8. This old fart should retire

Inouye did not lift a finger to defend the Constitution when it was under assault by Bush regime.

[Renew Deal]

10. I guess he's really trying to be president pro-tempore

:shrug:

[Jennicut]

12. I guess I am in the minority but if they want to run let them, its up to the people to vote them out

If you think they are doing a good job year after year for your state then what is wrong with them staying? If the rule was they have to quit after a number of years then we would not have someone like Joe Biden who has served since he was only 30 and is now 66. Dodd is my senator and unless there is a better challenger, I am voting him back in. Just because you are there 30 or 40 years does not make you any worse or better then someone who has been there 6 years. It is all in how you conduct yourself , there is plenty of great Senators/Reps who have been there forever and ones that suck who have only been in office a short time. Saxby Chambliss has only been there since 2002 and he is horrible, Ted Kennedy has been there since the 60's and he is a great Senator.