One of the most closely watched senate races in the country pits Hawaii’s growing white progressive movement against the legacy of late senator Daniel Inouye and what the Washington Post describes as his mostly Japanese American political machine.
Rep Colleen Hanabusa (pictured) is giving up her safe seat in the House to challenge Senator Brian Schatz. Schatz was appointed by Gov Neil Abercrombie who ignored Inouye’s dying wish that Hanabusa replace him.
Among those supporting Schatz is one of Inouye’s strongest allies, the Hawaii Government Employees Association.
“God bless him (Inouye), but all of us are moving on,” Randy Perreira, head of the Association said.. “While we will forever be respectful and grateful for all that he did, we all knew the day would come that we would be without his services. We’re just charting a new path.”
But the late Senator’s widow doesn’t think Hawaii wants that new path. She is strongly supporting Hanabusa.
“Serving the people of Hawaii was always first and foremost,” Hirano Inouye said about her husband. “I see Colleen as having the same qualities.”
Polls show the race which is set for August is right now a toss up.