The late Senator from Hawaii, Dan Inouye, wanted Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa to succeed him, but Governor Abercrombie has appointed Brian Schatz. I am very relieved. I wouldn't have minded Hanabusa, but she is not the committed progressive that Schatz is. Tulsi Gabbard scared me, because there were some pretty slick people behind her who were grooming her and pushing her forward. I felt sorry for her, actually. Better that she should remain in the House of Representatives, not exactly a tough gig, and learn her trade. When I saw her on Chris Hayes's program she gave me the impression of being coached and too careful. Schatz, whom I have seen and spoken to, is a very natural, hard working, committed public servant.
I see from my Twitter feed that some people are misinterpreting this as just the same old deal of letting white men run everything. Not true, in this case. I'm really thrilled and thankful that Abercrombie did the right thing.
The talk about Hanabusa is that she didn't care about the Neighbor Islands. I hope that's not the case with Schatz. Tonight's local news reports that he flew on Air Force One with Obama
Posted by: Brandon | December 27, 2012 at 12:40 AM
I read about it before I came here and it sounded like a good deal with someone who can be senator for a long time. Congress can't be a reward but has to be about the best choice to actually govern. Sounded to me like your governor did well.
Posted by: Rain Trueax | December 27, 2012 at 05:17 AM
Brandon: I saw Schatz at a small fund raiser up in Volcano when he was running for Congress. He is very concerned with environmental issues, which are so important here. I asked him directly what his position on choice was, and he said, "It's the woman's decision, no ifs, ands or buts." He is a very likable person, and I can't see high office going to his head, somehow. While I understand the need for more women and more minorities in the Senate, I don't think Hanabusa is very dynamic. She did not join the Progressive Caucus, which is a black mark in my book. But I think she is O.K. and have never heard much of anything negative about her. She is very smart. Mazie Hirono is a member of the Progressive Caucus. And she may be low profile, but she is a legislative workhorse. I always keep in mind that Patsy Mink is a hard (impossible) act to follow. Tulsi Gabbard worries me. I dislike her, but I can't say why. She seems too slick, too well prepared. But time will tell.
Rain: All the contenders were on the young side for politics, but Schatz was the best choice. Every state should have the representation in Congress that we do!
Posted by: Hattie | December 27, 2012 at 08:59 AM
www.thenation.com/blog/171918/no-senator-republican-or-democrat-should-serve-appointment
Posted by: psilotum | December 27, 2012 at 05:54 PM
Psilotum: I understand the point Nichols is making and basically agree with him. The problem is that there has to be a competent Democratic Senator right now because of the mess the Republicans have made of the Congress. Schatz is the best of best, truly.
Posted by: Hattie | December 27, 2012 at 07:53 PM
Oh, and this ends the career of Blue Dog Democrat and perpetual candidate Ed Case, which is a very good thing.
Posted by: Hattie | December 27, 2012 at 08:16 PM
Ed Case's timing was off, and it didn't look good when he challenged Akaka for the Senate in 2006. Besides ambition, he was thinking of a scenario (which came to pass) where both Senators Akaka and Inouye would be out, and Hawaii would lose its seniority. He figured if he won, Hawaii could retain at least some.
I think he'll run in 2014. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Senate_special_election_in_Hawaii,_2014
Posted by: Brandon | December 27, 2012 at 10:29 PM
Brandon: Well, we shall see.
Posted by: Hattie | December 27, 2012 at 11:31 PM