Another Democratic Senator, Hawaii's Akaka, Is Retiring

86-year-old opts to retire at end of this term
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 2, 2011 6:53 PM CST
Hawaii Senator Daniel Akaka, a Democrat, Will Not Run for Re-Election in 2012
A Feb. 16 photo shows Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, file)

Democrats have another open Senate seat to defend: Daniel Akaka of Hawaii says he won't run for re-election in 2012, reports the Honolulu Advertiser. The 86-year-old is a beloved political figure in Hawaii, having served in the Senate since 1990 and in the House for 14 years before that. He is the seventh senator and the fifth Democrat to opt out of a re-election run, notes Politico.

"I will always cherish the time I spent working in Washington, DC, and extend my heartfelt thanks to the people of Hawaii for their confidence in me," said Akaka in a statement. Other Democrats—including fellow Hawaii Sen. Daniel Inouye, also 86—had raised concerns about Akaka's fundraising and ability to withstand another campaign. (More Daniel Akaka stories.)

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