Boo ya! Sorry to release another diary so soon but I had to spread the good news:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/...
President Barack Obama is planning to endorse Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) over his challenger, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-Hawaii), in the state's competitive Senate Democratic primary, The Huffington Post has learned.
The president's endorsement will come later Monday, according to a source familiar with the plan who was not authorized to speak publicly before the announcement. - Huffington Post, 3/31/14
Here's what President Obama had to say about Schatz:
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/...
"I have worked with Senator Schatz on the issues that matter to Hawaii. Brian's deep commitment to the people of Hawaii and his effective leadership are why I believe it is important to return him to the Senate,” Obama said in a statement. "Senator Schatz is protecting Hawaii's values and fighting every day on behalf of middle-class families. There is no question that Senator Schatz is the right choice to continue delivering for Hawaii." - TPM, 3/31/14
And Obama's endorsement will help Schatz win his primary:
http://www.politico.com/...
The news is a big boost for Schatz’s campaign in what has become a highly competitive primary to win a full term for the seat he gained in late 2012.
Schatz was appointed to the seat in December 2012 following the death of veteran Sen. Daniel Inouye. Before his death, Inouye had requested that Hanabusa be appointed to his seat; however, Gov. Neil Abercrombie chose to appoint Schatz instead.
Obama’s backing holds considerable weight in Hawaii, where he has deep roots and remains far more popular than he is in most of the country. According to Gallup figures compiled earlier this year, Obama’s 2013 approval rating in Hawaii was 61.3 percent, second only to the District of Columbia.
Schatz and Obama do have a history: Schatz, a former state party chairman, supported Obama early in the 2008 primary, going on to serve as chairman of his Hawaii campaign. Hanabusa supported Hillary Clinton that year.
Schatz has earned the backing of the majority of the D.C. establishment, including the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, as well as progressive groups like Democracy for America, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee and the League of Conservation Voters. Hanabusa, on the other hand, was endorsed by the pro-Democratic women’s group EMILY’s List. - Politico, 3/31/14
Great news indeed! Lets help Schatz win his primary by getting involved and donating to his campaign:
http://brianschatz.com/
UPDATE: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D. NV) just endorsed Schatz:
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/...
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) endorsed Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) for re-election over Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, Schatz's challenger in the Democratic primary.
The endorsement came a few hours after President Barack Obama endorsed Schatz on Monday. Here's Reid's statement:
Senator Schatz is a fine Senator, a steadfast advocate on behalf of Hawaii in the Senate. I endorse him wholeheartedly and support President Obama’s decision to do the same. Brian has proven himself a champion for working families in Hawaii. He has been a leader in efforts to develop clean energy jobs and reduce the impact of climate change, and a strong advocate for ensuring a fair shot for all Americans. I’m pleased to join President Obama in supporting Brian and I look forward to his continued service on behalf of Hawaii in the United States Senate. - TPM, 3/31/14
P.S. TPM also posted 4 reasons why Obama's endorsement of Schatz will matter. You can read it here:
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/...