Metalworkers endorse Matsunaga for Congress

The former senator is part of a crowded field seeking the seat now held by Ed Case

Former state Sen. Matt Matsunaga has picked up the endorsement of the Hawaii Sheet Metal Workers International Association in his bid for Congress, his campaign has announced.

Matsunaga also unveiled a set of proposals to help small businesses and working families in Hawaii, saying he plans to focus on fair tax reform, more affordable health insurance and preserving Social Security.

"We support Matt Matsunaga for Congress because he understands what it takes to grow Hawaii's economy and believes in giving a fair shake to Hawaii's working families," Harold "Bucky" Bradshaw, business manager for the Hawaii chapter of the sheet metal union, said in a news release.

Matsunaga is part of a crowded field seeking the seat in Congress being vacated by U.S. Rep. Ed Case, who is running for the U.S. Senate. The field also includes Mazie Hirono, Matsunaga's gubernatorial running mate in 2002; they lost to Linda Lingle and James "Duke" Aiona.

Incumbent lawmakers in the race are Democratic state Sens. Colleen Hanabusa, Clayton Hee, Gary Hooser and Ron Menor; GOP state Sen. Bob Hogue; Democratic state Rep. Brian Schatz; and Honolulu City Councilman Nestor Garcia, a Democrat. Also running is former state Rep. Quentin Kawananakoa, a Republican.

Others who have filed to run are Hanalei Aipoalani of Waianae, Michael Powers of Kalaeloa and Joe Zuiker of Honolulu.