Karin Stanton/Hawaii247.com Contributing Editor

Ed Case

Ed Case, former congressman and state representative, needs your help in deciding which office to seek.

In his e-mail newsletter, and on his Web site, Case has posted a survey asking voters whether he should run for Congress or governor in 2010, or “undecided” or “other.”

“We’d all like to take a break from elections before we focus on 2010,” Case wrote. “The reality, though, is that public discussion is well underway and some candidates have already announced. I’ve been asked repeatedly for my own plans. With your input, I want to complete my decision and reach out to Hawaii’s voters again with my candidacy.”

Case, a Democrat, said he supports the re-election in 2010 of Sen. Daniel Inouye, also a Democrat, but would consider seeking U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie’s seat should Abercrombie run for governor.

Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona, a Republican, previously announced his intentions to run for governor. Another Republican, Honolulu City Councilman Charles Djou, is expected to for the Abercrombie’s 1st Congressional seat, which represents most of Oahu.

Case served four terms in the state House before an unsuccessful run for governor in 2002, when he lost the primary to Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono. Later that year, he won a special election to fill the congressional seat of Patsy Mink, who died a week after winning in the September primary and then was re-elected posthumously.

Most recently, the Hilo native lost a bid for U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka’s seat two years ago.

“I returned home from Congress in 2007 after over 12 full years in elective office,” Case wrote. “I’ve since enjoyed re-establishing my law career, teaching graduate school, contributing to our community, and just plain making up for lost time with my family and my Hawaii. But this time has convinced me that my own best contributions can be made in further elective office.”

— FInd out more and take the survey:
Ed Case: www.edcase.com