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   September 2006 | ELECTION 2006
Senator Daniel Akaka: Congressman Ed Case: Small Businesses Face an Urgent Choice 
Let’s dispense with the election-year lip service traditionally paid to Hawaii’s small businesses, usually followed by inaction or enemy action in office. Hawaii’s small businesses face an urgent choice in the U.S. Senate Democratic primary election. That election will decide Hawaii’s next U.S. Senator, a position of crucial importance for not just Hawaii’s but all our country’s small businesses. And all voters can make that choice, wherever you live and whatever your party affiliation. The choice is Ed Case or Dan Akaka. Who best understands the world and concerns of small business. But not just “understand,” because any good politician can put on a good act. Who has demonstrated, by his experience, actions, and votes, that he is a true advocate for small business, siding with small business for your betterment, as a matter of priority and commitment and policy. And not just today. Because in a rapidly changing country and world our small businesses will meet challenges we can’t foresee. Who do you best trust — me or Dan Akaka — to represent your small business in our U.S. Senate when that future arrives. I believe that choice is stark. But don’t take my word for it; here are some of my small business awards over my legislative career: Legislator of the Year, Small Business Hawaii (2000) — New Economy Legislator of the Year, Hawaii Technology and Trade Association (2000) — Small Business Advocate, Small Business Survival Committee (2004) -Honorary Counselor Award, Service Council of Retired Executives (2006) — Congressional Award, Small Business Council of America (2006). These awards were given for actions, not words. They have included: — Fighting, as a Hawaii State Representative (1994 – 2002), for a better business climate and for reform of our state government — Fighting, as a United States Congressman (2002-present) and as a proud member throughout of the U.S. House Committee on Small Business, for federal tax, regulatory, procurement and other laws and policies of benefit to our nation’s small businesses -Fighting to change laws hurting Hawaii’s small business, like the Jones Act and its Hawaii shipping monopoly which exacts a crippling tribute from its captive vassals (you) -Advocating for small businesses in your dealings with our federal bureaucracy. They also reflect relative experience, philosophy, ability and recognition: -I served twenty years in Hawaii’s private sector, as a business lawyer with Carlsmith Ball, and as managing partner of that firm, running a workforce of hundreds and a budget of tens of millions. Dan Akaka has never served in the private sector. -Dan Akaka has been ranked as the single most liberal member of the Senate and among the most purely partisan. I am moderate and independent. -Dan Akaka, after thirty years in Congress, was rated by Time Magazine as one of our five worst Senators, and by Congress.org as one of our three least influential Senators. -My candidacy has been endorsed by leading business groups such as the National Restaurant Association, the National Association of Realtors and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. I ask for your vote. I need it; I’ve earned it. www.edcase.com. Mahalo! Akaka vs. Case: Small Business Issues Commentary: Sen. Daniel Akaka | Congressman Ed Case
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I am working to support small business as the backbone of our economy, through my seniority on various Senate committees. As a senior member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I have seen parts of the federal contracting process that need shoring up. For example, it is important to level the playing field among federal contractors. 