<p>The amorphous "change" message that has resonated throughout the governor's race has put Democratic nominee Mazie Hirono on the spot.</p>
<p>If there was any doubt that tens of thousands of voters want change, it was settled by Hirono's close victory over maverick Democrat Ed Case. He tapped into a vein of restless Democrats and independent voters clearly dissatisfied with things as they are, and became the symbol for the theme of change. Analysis A narrow victory in the primary leaves Democrat Mazie Hirono needing to woo voters eager for change. But the veteran Hawai'i politician faces a clear disadvantage in trying to seize "change" as a theme of her campaign.</p>