U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie told supporters today that he would try to extend the movement of change behind President Obama to Hawai'i in his campaign for governor in 2010.

Abercrombie, a Democrat, said his campaign would focus on economic recovery, energy independence and improving education. He said he would use his two decades of experience in Congress as leverage to help Hawai'i work better with Washington, D.C., and make it through the recession.

Abercrombie, who knew Obama's parents as students at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa and was among the earliest supporters of his presidential campaign, said he wanted to bring Obama's message of hope and change to the Islands.

"I'm going to run for governor and bring hope and change to Washington Place," the congressman said at a news conference at his campaign headquarters at Ward Warehouse.

Abercrombie also has campaign appearances in Maui and Kaua'i today and the Big Island tomorrow.

Abercrombie is the first Democrat to enter the race for governor. Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, former congressman Ed Case, and state Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, D-21st (Nanakuli, Makaha), are also thinking about running.

Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona has launched his Republican campaign for governor.