As for Democrats, they are happy to have at least one seat on which they can still rely. As dominant as ever Nearly four decades after he first came to Congress to represent Hawaii, Daniel Inouye remains as dominant a figure as ever, securing federal projects for Hawaii with a skill and zeal that appalls critics of pork-barrel spending but wins hearty applause at home. I always anticipate opposition. But I realize that the polls at this point look exceedingly good. I feel confident, yes.
Money is as good a reason as any for the confidence.
A closer look at Inouye's finance report reveals the steepness of the hill facing challengers. But Inouye can also tap into sources likely unavailable to any other politician in the state. For example, native American tribes nationwide have contributed tens of thousands of dollars to Hawaii's senior senator. He does not solicit their money, Inouye said, but his years of championing their causes as the top Democrat on the Senate Indian Affairs Committee have made him a favorite of native Americans. Inouye also has friends in Hollywood.