Saturday's Primary

Hawaii Senate
This is a very interesting race, one which ranks right up there with Connecticut and Rhode Island for intriguing inter-party squabbles. Senator Daniel Akaka (D) faces a challenge from the more pro-war Congressman Ed Case (D), and the polling data indicates an extremely close race. Frankly, I'd be very, very surprised if Case pulled this one off, but who knows. The Republicans in the race are an afterthought, but their names are Mark Beatty, Gerald Coffey (whose campaign was suspended due to serious illness), Charles Collins, Jay Friedheim, Edward Pirkowski, and Steve Tataii.

Hawaii Governor
Governor Linda Lingle (R) pulled off a surprising win in 2002, in a state typically dominated by Democrats. She faces challenges from George Berish, Paul Manner, and George Peabody, and should win easily. On the Democratic side, William Aila, Jr., Randy Iwase, and Van Tanabe are running. I don't know who the favorite is, so I'll pick Randy Iwase.

Hawaii CD 1
Congressman Neil Abercrombie (D) faces a primary challenge from Alexandra Kaan which he will easily survive. Republicans Noah Hough, II and Mark Terry are competing to determine who will lose to Abercrombie in November.

Hawaii CD 2
With Congressman Ed Case (D) running for the Senate, there is an open seat to be had. That's brought out no less than 10 Democrats for this race. In order of money raised, they are: Mazie Hirono, Colleen Wakako Hanabusa, Brian Emanuel Schatz, Clayton Hee, Gary Hooser, Ron Menor, Matt Matsunaga, Nestor Garcia, Joe Zuiker, and Hanalei Aipoalani. Hirono will probably win. On the Republican side, Quentin Kawananakoa faces State Senator Bob Hogue. Kawananakoa has raised significantly more cash, and should win the primary. I expect that to be a Pyrrhic victory.