Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka won't seek re-election

Washington Post ^ | March 3, 2011 | Chris Cillizza

[NRG1973]

Hawaii Democratic Sen. Daniel Akaka will not seek re-election in 2012, the fifth Democratic or Democratic aligned incumbent to bow out already this election cycle.

"After months of thinking about my political future, I am announcing today that I have decided not to run for re-election in 2012," Akaka said in a statement. "As many of you can imagine, it was a very difficult decision for me. However, I feel that the end of this Congress is the right time for me to step aside."

Akaka, who is 86 years old, had been regarded by both parties as a potential retiree and his meager fundraising -- he collected less than $2,000 in the final three months of 2010 -- only added to that sense.

[NRG1973]

I don't see any chance for a GOP pickup here but if we get a good candidate maybe we can get the Dems to spend lotsa cash to hold this seat. Every dollar spent by the Dems defending a Hawaiian seat is one they can't spend elswhere.

[bwc2221]

It doesn't really matter. Charles Djou was elected as a Republican to the House in a special Hawaii election in 2009 and his ACU score was 38.

Don't waste money on statewide races in NY or California or any races in Oregon or any of New England (except New Hampshire).

Let's spend money where it will do the most good.

[GonzoGOP]

I don't see any chance for a GOP pickup here but if we get a good candidate maybe we can get the Dems to spend lotsa cash to hold this seat.

Highly unlikely to get a pickup, but it does depend on the economy. Hawaii already has higher gas and food prices than the rest of the country due to transportation costs. And they need tourism revenue, that again is highly dependent on a good economy. If things go into the pot it may get bad enough in paradise to make they vote for something different no matter what form that change takes.

Put it this way we didn't think we would ever see a "Real" conservative in Wisconsin and right now Gov Walker is leading the charge.

[USS Alaska]

I don't see any chance for a GOP pickup here

What was the name of the demonRAT senator from WI, goldfarb, goldstein, goldfinger???

[Sparticus]

[Sparticus]

Democrats hold every single statewide elective office in Hawaii, all seats but one of the state senate, and only nine out of 51 state house seats. You’d have to look long and hard to find a more red state than Hawaii.

[Sparticus]

...er, that should have read Republicans hold only nine out of 51 seats in the Hawaii state house.