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Case Planning Comeback in Hawaii

Former Rep. Ed Case (D-Hawaii) is planning his political comeback — and wants some help with his decision.

Case left his House seat in 2006 for a quixotic run against Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) in the Democratic primary. But in an e-mail titled “Governor or Congress in 2010,” Case wrote his supporters that he is considering running for those offices and includes a link to an online survey where recipients can vote for their preference.

“In many ways, picking up where I left off as U.S. Congressman is a natural choice,” Case wrote in the message sent Wednesday. “My seniority, public-private experience and longstanding focus on economic vitality can serve both Hawaii and our country well from day one, and I can again contribute to building Hawaii’s next generation of leadership in Washington.”

Case made it clear, however, he would not challenge any sitting Democratic incumbent. In the e-mail, Case said he supported Sen. Daniel Inouye’s (D-Hawaii) re-election in 2010, but made a caveat for a possible gubernatorial or Congressional bid, if there is an opening.

“And if, as is widely discussed, Rep. Abercrombie decides to return home from Congress, I will consider seeking election to his current U.S. House seat,” Case wrote, referring to nine-term Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D).

Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle (R) is term limited out of office in 2010, so there will be an open-seat gubernatorial contest. The Aloha State Republican is often mentioned as a possible challenger to Inouye in 2010.

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