Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) told the Honolulu Civil Beat that he’s rooting for Rep. Mazie Hirono in the Democratic primary for the seat of retiring Sen. Daniel Akaka (D).

Hirono is running against former Rep. Ed Case, who upset Hawaii Democrats, including Inouye, in 2006 by giving up his House seat to challenge Akaka in the Senate primary.

“He knows why I’m not too happy with him,” Inouye told the newspaper.

Inouye said he hasn’t donated to Hirono but has attended her fundraisers and introduced her to Sen. Patty Murray (Wash.), chairwoman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

Democrats are heavily favored to hold this seat next year, though former Gov. Linda Lingle (R), who is considering the race, would make it more interesting.