2010 Hawaii Senate - Cavasso vs. Inouye

Since Hawaii became a state in 1959, it has elected only one Republican to the Senate: Hiram Fong, who served three terms from 1959-1976. Fong was elected alongside Democrat Oren E. Long, who retired after one term. Long’s successor, elected in 1962, was the man who still holds the seat, Daniel K. Inouye.

Inouye, now the dean of the Senate and President pro tempore, has won re-election seven times since that initial win. There was some speculation that the 86-year-old Senator might call it a career, but he opted to run for re-election. He faces '04 nominee Cam Cavasso.  While one polls shows a surprisingly close race, there is little realistic possibility that he will lose.