From the Star-Advertiser:
U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka announced today that he will not run for re-election in 2012.
Akaka, 86, has served in the Senate since 1990. He previously served a little more than 13 years in the U.S. House of Representatives…
Former Gov. Linda Lingle (R-HI) has already been making moves to enter the race and, while facing an uphill fight, would certainly have given Akaka a run for the money. Its completely unknown at this moment whether or not Akaka’s retirement helps or hinders – Akaka is immensely popular in Hawaii and there doesn’t seem to be any Democrat out there with his stature. On the other hand, his advanced age would have been a handicap in a rough and tumble race.
The bottom line is that if Lingle does get in to the race, Democrats will have to fight hard and put a lot of resources in to keeping the seat, and that helps the national GOP. And, hey, Lingle has won two State-wide races before, and could do it again.
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