Shock news from the Hawaii Democratic Primary!

[Adlai Stevenson]

According to a QMark Research & Polling survey carried out for the campaign of Congressman Ed Case, the race between the Representative and incumbent Senator Dan Akaka is surprisingly close:

AKAKA 40%
CASE 38%

This is obviously open to debate, but the fact is its the only published poll so far, and therefore, significant.  You can see this was a partisan poll, because: QMark also asked questions about Case's campaign themes of transition, experience, performance and change and then asked voters a second time who they would support:

CASE 44%
AKAKA 39%

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060517/NEWS05/605170346/1009/NEWS

[Sam Spade]

Well, partisan polls are not "that" interesting, but I have thought for some while that this primary will be close.  It is also a long, long way away, as Hawaii primaries will be held on Sept. 23.

Also, I have had HI-02 on my Democratic Watch List for some time, depending on who the Dems nominate and if Kawananakoa gets the R nomination, because he is a definitely legit candidate.

We could have some at least halfway interesting Hawaii races this year, though polling will be scarce as always.

[Soaring Eagle]

I hope Case wins the primary, but Akaka will most likely end up with the nomination.

[Gabu]

According to a QMark Research & Polling survey carried out for the campaign of Congressman Ed Case

Translation: take this with a pound of salt.

[Q]

Also, I have had HI-02 on my Democratic Watch List for some time, depending on who the Dems nominate and if Kawananakoa gets the R nomination, because he is a definitely legit candidate.

The 2nd District race is going to be crazy.  Everyone and his brother is running.  Mazie Hirono (02 Gov nominee) and Matt Matsunaga (02 Lt Gov nominee) are both running for the D nomination, which surprises me.  I agree with you, Sam, that QK is a credible candidate and would have a good chance in the general if he makes it that far.

[Yates]

According to a QMark Research & Polling survey carried out for the campaign of Congressman Ed Case

Translation: take this with a pound of salt.

[Sam Spade]

Also, I have had HI-02 on my Democratic Watch List for some time, depending on who the Dems nominate and if Kawananakoa gets the R nomination, because he is a definitely legit candidate.

The 2nd District race is going to be crazy.  Everyone and his brother is running.  Mazie Hirono (02 Gov nominee) and Matt Matsunaga (02 Lt Gov nominee) are both running for the D nomination, which surprises me.  I agree with you, Sam, that QK is a credible candidate and would have a good chance in the general if he makes it that far.

Well if anything, Case, in his drive for the Senate, has certainly given us some reason to examine Hawaii politics this year.

I certainly look forward to talking about this oft-ignored part of the country this year.

[minionofmidas]

Of course "We're just behind, might do it" is exactly what you want such a poll to show.

A royal pretender in the House of Reps... I'm not sure if that's legal. Either way these guys probably explain why Native Hawai'ian areas on O'ahu (not on the other islands though ... well except Ni'ihau ) tend to vote Republican.

[Ben.]

Case!... I love that guy