The Democratic Party of Hawaii was in for some spirited speeches on its final day of the convention but many didn't expect this...
"In this contest of values there's room for only one standard bearer for our party," said Ed Case. "So today I withdraw my candidacy in favor of Colleen (Hanabusa)."
With that, Ed Case has removed his hat from the ring for Hawaii's 1st Congressional Primary race in September after a third place finish in the Special Election.
"We should have contested Primaries in the normal case, but given what's at stake and last weeks election results I concluded we need to make that decision now," he said.
Many in the audience grabbed their cell phones to text, twitter, and e-mail the news.
"The reaction of everybody was phew, that we were facing a real challenge," said Jim Shon, Hawaii Democratic Party.
Republican Congressman Charles Djou responded in a statement: "Now voters will have a clear choice in November between the status quo and new leadership in Hawaii."
Hanabusa supporters celebrated.
"The magnanimous gesture of Ed Case is something I will never forget, and no Democrat that sits in this room shall forget that either," said Hanabusa, (D) Candidate for Congress.
Senator Daniel Inouye praised Case for withdrawing.
"I was deeply moved by Ed Case, he showed that he was a democrat," said Sen. Inouye.
The 85 year-old and second most-senior US senator left the crowd with one more big announcement.
"I'm taking this occasion to announce my candidacy six years from now," said Sen. Inouye.
Ed Case did not say whether he was given any incentive to drop out of the race but did hint that he is looking into other options for public service.
