From an Editorial by John Webster

In an editorial by John Webster,director of Chaminade University's Hogan Entrepreneurs, a program that prepares students for entrepreneurial careers in business, government and non-profit organizations

Serving in Washington is all about the power to make things happen

"As is well known, Sen. Daniel Inouye is the co-chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee and the ranking Democrat on the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. Akaka is the ranking member of the Senate Committee of Veteran Affairs and ranking member of three other subcommittees including the important Readiness and Management Support Subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Power in Washington is tied to these important assignments, and our Senate delegation wields great power that is important to Hawaii. The importance attached to this seniority-based power is seen in Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid's reported request to Case that he not run.
So, let's keep this important issue of seniority and its practical value in mind as we judge who is best qualified to represent the state of Hawaii. If we choose to remove from office one of these powerful gentlemen, let it be with eyes open and with the conviction that the hoped-for, long-term merits outweigh the sacrifice of immediate strength.
For those who argue simply that Hawaii's Senate power will wane sometime anyway, as either of our senators resigns or dies, it would be well to remember that power, like money, is never more valuable than it is right now.

Comments by Pat
Mr. Webster makes a good point. But how can one get on committees and gain power and experience if one is not elected senator? Both Mr. Akata and Mr. Inouye are in their 80's, Ed Case is 53 and could serve many more years and build a new "dynasty". There's that old "resigns or dies" phrase again.