MEDIA RELEASE

Neil Abercrombie, the first Democrat to jump into the race to replace Gov. Linda Lingle, will be on the Big Island for two appearances Monday, March 9.

Abercrombie will be meeting with supporters and making a formal announcement about his plans to run for governor in 2010. The public is invited.

* Kona Campaign Kickoff, 11 a.m., Old Kona Airport Pavilion No. 4

* Hilo Campaign Kickoff, 4 p.m., Waiakea High School Cafeteria

“I’m going to run for governor and bring hope and change to Washington Place,” the congressman said at a news conference Sunday at his Honolulu campaign headquarters.

He also made stops Sunday on Maui and Kauai to announce his is “Bringing Change Home.” 

Abercrombie said his campaign would focus on economic recovery, energy independence and improving education. He said he would use his two decades of experience in Congress as leverage to help Hawaii work better with Washington, D.C., and make it through the recession.

Abercrombie, a 10-term U.S. Congressman, is the first Democrat to officially enter the gubernatorial race. Others who are considering a run include Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, former Congressman and Big Island native Ed Case, and state Senate President Colleen Hanabusa.

Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona has announced his plans for a Republican run.

— Find out more:

Neil Abercrombie: www.neilabercrombie.com