In a recent article in the StarBulletin , Making Waves
Case's challenge of Akaka rocks the Democratic Party boat
By Richard Borrecamailto:Borrecarborreca@starbulletin.com

Congressmen Ed Case who is running against Hawaii's "old guard" in an article by Richard Borrecar stated
"I don't particularly think that the political culture in Hawaii has produced in and of itself the next generation. It has tended to stifle it and hold them back because we have been micro-managers and control freaks," Case complained.

He further states...
"It is obvious to me that I am responsible for that next generation of leadership. It is a no-brainer as how I should serve Hawaii," Case said.
Both men were asked if they would appear together in a debate and Case said yes, while Akaka would not commit.
"I think voters are entitled to compare us," Case said.

On whether to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildilfe refuge...
Case: "We shouldn't drill in a wildlife refuge. We set it aside because it was incredibly vital not just to Alaska or our country, but to the world. You have to protect the few remaining special places in the world."
Akaka: "I am an environmentalist, but this is an issue I differ with them, because my vote is for the indigenous people of Alaska. They asked me to help them. They said one way they could get resources and improvements to their quality of life was to drill for oil. The moment they come to me and say they don't want it, I am out

Commentary by Pat
Ed Case isn't afraid to critise the democratic party or admit he would vote against his party on issues he is clearly not afraid to take a stand on. Senator Akaka by his own admission states I'll do what they want now but if they change their minds later I'll change mine also. Way to take a stand on such an important issue as the Actic National Wildlife Senator Akaka. Leads me to believe you just don't understand what being an "environmentalist" is.
As far as a debate perhaps if Ed Cases followers grow in numbers Senator Akaka will be willing to meet face to face, but for now Ed Case can only challenge Senator Akaka in the media.
I think Ed Case in coming out and critizing the Democratic party is shooting himself in the foot. Either he knows they will never support or endorse him, or he feels he can win without them.
Comments like 'It is obvious to me that I am responsible for that next generation of leadership. It is a no- brainer as to how I should serve Hawaii." tend to turn people off. It makes him sound too self assured. I'd rather hear more about where he stands on important issues such as Artic oil drilling. If he wants to win he needs to win friends in and out of the democratic party.