There are lots of races to watch this fall that will have an impact on Hawaii’s future. Linda Lingle v. Mazie Hirono. Colleen Hanabusa v. Charles Djou. Ben Cayetano v. Kirk Caldwell. And, of course, Barack Obama v. Mitt Romney.

But some of the most critical contests will take place downballot in other states. That’s because control of the U.S. Senate is on the line, and with it is Sen. Daniel Inouye‘s enviable position as chairman of the powerful Appropriations Committee.

The Hill today reports Democrats are confident they can hold onto the Senate despite being outspent by Republicans. Here’s a representative quote from Rodell Mollineau, a former Senate Democratic leadership aide who now heads a Democratic super-PAC:

“Money is a factor, but it’s not the only factor. Having good candidates and a good message with a good record is going to help as well.”

Read the full piece here.

Also from that story: Inouye’s got so much at stake that he’s reportedly holding a fundraiser for his leadership PAC at the Mint Museum of craft and design in Charlotte.

— Michael Levine