by Dan Boylan

www.midweek.com/content/columns/mostlypolitics_article/election_year_2006_all_shook_up

Jeeeeez! It's tough being a political analyst!

Just when you think you've got election year 2006 scoped out - as in "Ho hum, Lingle unopposed for governor and little action on the undercard either" - Congressman Ed Case announces he will challenge incumbent United States Sen. Dan Akaka.

Suddenly the Democrats, whether they find a formidable gubernatorial challenger or not, are the party to watch - at least through the primary election on Sept. 23. The Akaka-Case contest will involve money, grass-roots campaigning, and a generational tug-of-war. And it changes the dynamic across the political horizon.