EDITORIAL
In Saturday's election, we endorse Ed Case
On Saturday, voters will go to the polls in a strange exercise.
They will cast ballots for someone to serve the remainder of the term of the late Patsy Mink, U.S. congresswoman from the 2nd District (Rural O'ahu, Neighbor Islands). In that election, we urge a vote for Democrat Ed Case.
This is an election that by most measurements matters little. Congress has shut down for the year; Mrs. Mink's work is mostly done, and all eyes are already turned to the next session of Congress.
Still, if we value our franchise, if we value who represents us in this high legislative chamber, then we must do our part to select our voice in that forum.
It's likely that the person elected to serve out the remainder of Mink's term this Saturday will have no real work to do.
But who knows? Matters of great importance to Hawai'i — and to the nation, for that matter — could be on the desk of our representative.
We cannot choose lightly.
Saturday's election, of course, is but a run-up for the more important election in January, when someone will be chosen to replace Mrs. Mink for the entirety of the new two-year term she won Nov. 5.
Our choice for this election does not necessarily guide us in the more substantive election to come. Yet, it cannot be taken lightly.
In this first, admittedly temporary election, we endorse Case. Case clearly captured the imagination and the hopes of Hawai'i in the just-completed campaign for governor, in which he nearly defeated a respected and well-prepared opponent, Mazie Hirono. He is in tune with Hawai'i and its needs, both locally and
nationally.
There are a number of intriguing candidates for this congressional seat in the more substantive, two-year election to come. They come from
several parties and a variety of political perspectives.
We expect to hear a great deal of dialogue from these candidates and where they stand on issues ranging from local economic concerns to
national issues of war and peace.
We look forward to that dialogue.
Meanwhile, in Saturday's election, we recommend a vote for Ed Case.
