Former congressman and Senate hopeful Ed Case sent an open letter to Hawaii Democratic Party Chairman Dante Carpenter on Tuesday. Case requested a series of 25 statewide presentations of him and Democratic rival Rep. Mazie Hirono. 

While Case is a familiar name in Hawaii politics, Hirono is widely seen as the establishment favorite with backing from several Hawaii unions, Sen. Daniel Inouye and other heavy hitters. But Case has made it clear that he is in the Senate race to win it. 

“Throughout our careers, both Mazie and I have been proud Democrats who share the core values of our party,” Case wrote. “But we are very different Democrats in many ways, from experience to focus, support, agenda and approach, not to mention matching up against Linda Lingle.”

Lingle, the former Hawaii governor, is considered a shoe-in Republican candidate in the race. In his email to Carpenter, Case pointed out that there are about 180 days until voting starts (there are still 221 days until August 11, which is primary election day).

“In the next 180 days, the House is only in session about 65 days (!), leaving about 115 non-session days when Mazie can be home and available,” Case wrote. 

Case said that he is “open to whatever schedule and agenda” the Democratic party sets.