By Derrick DePledge, Advertiser Government Writer
The Honolulu Advertiser

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka has survived the biggest threat to his political career, holding off U.S. Rep. Ed Case in a Democratic primary for Senate that confirmed the party's establishment still remains potent.

Akaka held a steady lead with votes in all of the precincts but one counted early this morning. Case had conceded just before midnight to his supporters outside his campaign headquarters on King Street.

Case said he had telephoned Akaka and offered his support.

By Dan Nakaso and Johnny Brannon, Advertiser Staff Writers
The Honolulu Advertiser

Ed Case has telephoned U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka and conceded the U.S. Senate Democratic primary, then told supporters he will do everything he can to help Akaka and Hawai'i's Democratic Congressional delegation.

At about 11:50 p.m., Case addressed the nearly 75 remaining supporters in the parking lot of the Standard Finance Plaza building on King and Cooke streets and said he pledged his support to Akaka.

With his wife, Audrey, by his side, Case said, "I have lost a few times and I have lost tonight. ... This has been a good fight. This has been a good effort and this effort makes for a better state and a better America."

By Rosemarie Bernardo
Honolulu Star Bulletin
September 18, 2006

Dan Akaka is as comfortable golfing with the president as he is chatting with local restaurateurs -- as comfortable dining at a black-tie affair as he is eating mackerel and two scoops rice at a local restaurant.

He was born Daniel Kahikina Akaka, but he is known to many as Danny.

"I think Akaka is the epitome of the aloha spirit," said Gary Mijo, owner of Asahi Grill, where Akaka and two staffers stopped off for lunch last week during a break from campaigning.

Asian Week Lead Editorial

The genuinely warm United States Senator Daniel Akaka is this nation's only Hawaiian and Chinese American U.S. senator. After serving Hawaiian constituents and Asian Pacific Americans nationally for 30 years in Congress, the former teacher and principal stands to gain greater influence after winning the Sept. 23 primary election for U.S. senator in Hawai'i.

With the national mood shifting, democrats may take control of the Senate this November. With that, democratic Senator Akaka must be re-elected to continue legislating or being a voice for his state and Asian Pacific Americans nationally.

By Derrick DePledge, Advertiser Government Writer
Hololulu Advertiser

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka has held his edge over U.S. Rep. Ed Case in the Democratic primary for Senate, a new Hawai'i Poll has found, and many voters say they are basing their decision on the candidates' stand on public-policy issues.

The poll of likely Democratic primary voters found Akaka leading Case 51 percent to 38 percent with 11 percent undecided. The poll was conducted by Ward Research Inc. in early September among 601 voters statewide. The margin of error was 4 percentage points.