Ed Case pulls out

By slipping out of a fight between state Sen. Colleen Hanabusa and former U.S. Rep. Ed Case, Hawaii's Democrats are hoping for a November knockout against Republican U.S. Rep. Charles Djou.

Case stunned supporters and opponents alike yesterday by pulling out of the race for the 1st Congressional District.

He leaves the field open for Senate President Hanabusa, who has already won the backing of the party's leaders and most public and private unions.

"It helps tremendously because then there will not be a bloody primary. Hopefully it is a way to unify the party and regain the seat," said Randy Perreira, head of the state AFL-CIO and the Hawaii Government Employees Association.

Case made his surprise announcement during the closing day of the state Democratic Convention at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. He told the more than 830 delegates and party members that he wanted to stay in the race but that "there is room for only one standard-bearer for our party. Anything else would divide us. Anything else would compromise the values we hold so dear."

Supporters and friends said Case had been weighing his decision, but no one knew what he would say until he gave his speech.

Hanabusa, Case said, needs to listen to his supporters, who want change.

"We do have a deepening and spreading disillusionment with politics, at least how it is practiced in this state. Politics is too often about power rather than people, politics that divides rather than unifies," Case said.

"Listen, adopt and incorporate, espouse, motivate and commit and you will win. Don't and you will have a very difficult election," Case warned.

Hanabusa, still shocked as her primary fight against Case evaporated, said she would start listening, but did not announce any changes in policies.

"What you saw today was a most magnanimous gesture in dropping out of this race. With it comes to me a heavy burden to live up to his expectations and his faith," Hanabusa said.

"He is expecting me to listen to and appeal to his voting base. It is an amazing gesture and an amazing gift," Hanabusa added.

The party's leaders praised Case's decision.

"I was just happy and deeply moved. I think Ed assures us of a great victory this November," said U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, Hawaii's senior senator.