Case gets fresh start in House
By Derrick DePledge
Advertiser Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON — Ed Case's mother gently slipped a maile lei around his neck and kissed him on the cheek. Some of the aromatic leaves of maile, brought from Hawai'i for the occasion, had fallen off and were scattered around the congressman's sparse new Capitol Hill office.
Associated Press
"Looks like we made a mess," Suzanne Case said, laughing. "But it's a Hawai'i mess."
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., samples the fragrance of maile worn by Rep. Ed Case on the House floor, just as yesterday's ceremonies were getting under way. Rep. Neil Abercrombie is at center.
The traditional lei added a dash of island style to Case's neat suit and tie as he was sworn in yesterday afternoon as a member of the 108th Congress. With sons James and David by his side on the House floor and his wife, Audrey, and his parents watching proudly from the gallery above, Case took the oath of office from House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill.
Case was not sworn in after he won a special election in November to fill the final weeks of the late Patsy Mink's term because Congress already had adjourned for the year. After Case won a second special election Saturday to replace Mink in the new Congress, nasty weather interrupted his travel plans and almost cost him another chance at a ceremony.
The House also had to agree to accept unofficial election results from Saturday rather than wait until the state certifies the vote.
"We may look calm and collected, but it's been a hectic 24 hours," a relieved Case said.
"We're going to enjoy the day and then get to work tomorrow."
Associated Press
The congressman, who represents rural O'ahu and the Neighbor Islands, will soon learn his committee assignments and finish hiring a staff. His first committee choices — Ways and Means, Appropriations, and Energy and Commerce — are not likely, but he hopes to receive spots on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Agriculture Committee.
Speaker Dennis Hastert held separate photo sessions with House newcomers, including Rep. Ed Case, accompanied by wife Audrey.
Case technically was a congressman for five weeks last session, so he will have seniority over the other freshmen who took office yesterday — a small advantage that could grow larger if he builds a congressional career.
He missed freshman orientation, where new lawmakers are briefed on things like pay and benefits, security and mail, ethics and dealing with the news media. Case already is familiar with Capitol Hill routines from his days as an aide to former Sen. Spark Matsunaga, but he said he would have liked to spend more time meeting with other lawmakers before the session began.
Case said he plans to join the New Democrats, a caucus of moderate lawmakers that works as a bridge between Democrats and Republicans.
"That's where the future of national legislative politics lies," he said.
His first legislative priority, he said, will be to help the Hawai'i congressional delegation advance a bill that would federally recognize native Hawaiians as an indigenous people.
Associated Press
He also said he would look at strategies to combat illegal drug use — particularly the abuse of "ice," a growing problem in the Islands.
Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., swears in the House of Representatives of the 108th Congress.
"I need to figure out where I can contribute right away," Case said.
Yesterday, though, was a quick chance to celebrate, a momentary break from the cauldron of Washington politics. Cookies and cake, including a white chocolate mold of the Capitol, were set out on a coffee table in Case's office as friends and well-wishers came by during a daylong open house.
His staff is still decorating, so the beige walls remain cold and bare. One of the few reminders of home is the state seal on the front door.
"I have tremendous shoes to fill," Case said of Mink, who built a national legacy as a champion of equal rights. "I look forward to living up to the great work that she did. But I will also develop my own style and my own issues."
Paul Ladd, who roomed with Case in college and again when both were political aides, said his friend has worked hard. "He deserves it," said Ladd, who works at the Immigration and Naturalization Service. "We're all so proud of him."
James Case, the congressman's father, said he believes that his son is attuned to the concerns of his constituents but will follow his own path.
"He's very good at understanding the issues and making an independent judgment of what's best and not following the herd," the elder Case said.
