Saying he wants to continue his “fun job,” U.S. Rep. Ed Case, D-rural O’ahu, Neighbor Islands, is already mulling re-election, only five months into his freshman term. With the 2004 general election some 18 months away, and contenders lining up
Saying he wants to continue his “fun job,” U.S. Rep. Ed Case, D-rural O’ahu, Neighbor Islands, is already mulling re-election, only five months into his freshman term.
With the 2004 general election some 18 months away, and contenders lining up in bids for support for presidential campaigns, Case said recently that it’s not too early for those in Congress to begin gearing up for campaigns as well.
While in Washington, D.C., his work days are 15 or 16 hours, and he pushes himself and his staff very hard, Case said while visiting Kaua’i during the congressional spring recess.
Among his goals is to reach out to the communities he serves, and not turn into a “Washington politician.” Among his missions is to do the best job he can in Washington, taking a page from his predecessor and former boss, the late U.S. Rep. and Sen. Spark Matsunaga.
Matsunaga once told Case, “The best way to get re-elected is to do a good job.”
So far, Case, 50, enjoys his job. “It’s incredibly educational,” talking to people, listening to their concerns, he said. “I don’t know how you could get bored with this job.”
For 30 years of his life, he has been doing “intense work,” including stints in public service both at the federal and state levels. And even with his 16-hour work days, he still finds time for himself when he needs to, and travels back to Hawai’i about every month or so to see his family and constituents.
“You take the time when you need to,” he said of pacing himself.
The only down side he has experienced so far is missing his family and Hawai’i home. “I don’t like being away from Hawai’i. I don’t like being away from my family.”
But wife Audrey has a job on O’ahu she loves, and the Case children are “ingrained” in school, Ed Case said.
So, they meet halfway sometimes, in California, or Audrey Case will bring the children to Washington, or Ed Case will fly home for a long weekend when possible, he said.
Staff Writer Paul C. Curtis can be reached at mailto:pcurtis@pulitzer.net or 245-3681 (ext. 224).
