Akaka formally to launch campaign

A rally is set for the two-term senator facing a challenger in the primary

U.S. Sen. Dan Akaka, a Democrat, plans to formally launch his re-election campaign as he files for office and holds a fundraiser tomorrow.

Akaka, who is running for his third full term in the Senate, is expected to file for re-election at 11:30 a.m. at the State Office Tower.

Supporters, according to Akaka's campaign, are planning on rallying at 10 a.m. on Bishop Street before heading to the Beretania Street State Office Tower.

Tomorrow evening, Akaka holds a $25-per-ticket fundraiser at the Blaisdell Center exhibition hall.

Hawaii's senior Sen. Dan Inouye is expected to introduce Akaka.

Last month, Inouye took the unusual step of endorsing Akaka in a primary race because he is challenged by fellow Democrat, U.S. Rep. Ed Case.

For his part, Case says he will spend this week with a series of campaign meetings and speeches, along with town hall meetings related to his congressional office. Case plans meetings on Oahu, Maui, Molokai and Lanai this week.

Case said he is planning a large fundraiser and rally for later in the campaign, but has held smaller fundraisers here and Washington, as has Akaka.