Mazie Hirono

Mazie Hirono, currently a U.S. Representative from Hawaii's 2nd District, is running for the Senate seat in Hawaii that is being vacated by Senator Daniel Akaka. A former Lt. Governor of Hawaii who lost the gubernatorial race to conservative Republican Linda Lingle in 2002, Hirono was elected in 2006 to represent Hawaii's second congressional district (a seat vacated by Ed Case, who challenged Senator Akaka) and she was re-elected in 2008 and 2010. Hirono faces Ed Case in the August 11 Democratic Primary. Hirono has been a strong supporter of women's issues in the House and has 100% ratings from both NARAL ProChoice America and Planned Parenthood.

Background:

• Deputy Attorney General, Antitrust Division, Department of Justice
• Hawaii State Representative (1981-1994)
• Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii (1994-2002)

Current House Committee Assignments:

• Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education
• Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Workforce Protections
• Ethics Committee
• Transportation and Infrastructure
• PARTY: House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee
• PARTY: At-large whip, House Democratic Caucus

Prospects: Hirono must defeat Ed Case in the Democratic Primary to win the nomination. She then faces conservative Republican Linda Lingle in the general election which is considered a toss-up.

Opponent: Good. She will have a tough challenge from blue-dog Ed Case, who previously held the 2nd Congressional District House seat.

Other Endorsements: Emily's List, NOWPAC, NWPC, NARAL PAC, WCF

Website: http://www.mazieforhawaii.com/