10 WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE
Every day through year's end, the Star-Bulletin will recognize 10 who changed Hawaii this year. Some were controversial, others shunned the spotlight. But all made a difference.
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Challenge to Democrats inspired new generation
THE new year wasn't three weeks old when Rep. Ed Case dropped the political bomb that would shape the 2006 election year for state Democrats.
A day after state lawmakers opened the legislative session, Case launched his challenge against incumbent U.S. Sen. Dan Akaka.
Considered a rogue by some, the future of the party to others, the junior congressman said it was time to start building seniority, noting that both of Hawaii's senators would turn 82 in 2006.
But the move didn't sit well with traditional Democrats, who chastised Case for his ambition and rallied to Akaka's side.
By the time the dust settled, Case was on his way out -- replaced by a familiar face -- and the party proved that old-time loyalty still mattered in a solidly blue state.
"It showed how strong the old coalition is," said University of Hawaii political scientist Neal Milner.
STAR-BULLETIN / JANUARY 2006
Ed Case rocked the local political structure when he made a run for the U.S. Senate seat held by Dan Akaka.
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While some said Case's challenge showed a rift within the party, it had the unexpected consequence of helping the Democrats in another way.
"It helped bring out a new generation of leaders," said state Democratic Party Chairman Mike McCartney.
In all, 10 Democrats ran for Case's seat representing the heavily Democratic 2nd Congressional District covering rural Oahu and the neighbor islands.
The primary included six incumbents -- four state senators, a state representative and a Honolulu city councilman -- plus a former state senator, two political rookies and the eventual winner, former Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono.
Buoyed by her name recognition, Hirono started as the front-runner. She held off a late charge by state Sen. Colleen Hanabusa in the September primary and easily defeated GOP Sen. Bob Hogue two months later.
Before it was all over, the campaign invented a new kind of forum -- "political speed-dating" -- and helped energize both parties in one of the more lively primaries in recent history.
"I think it was a great opportunity that a lot of relatively young and inexperienced candidates took decent advantage of and did very well," said Milner. "They probably have the aspiration and the confidence now to think about broader offices."