Senator Akaka Will Not Seek Re-election in 2012

By Wendy Osher

U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka.

U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) will not seek re-election in 2012.

At the end of his current term, Sen. Akaka will have served nearly 22 years in the United States Senate.  That’s in addition to more than 13 years he served in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In a statement issued today, Akaka said he made the decision after months of thought, assuring the public that he fully intends to serve the last two years of his current term in office.

“As many of you can imagine, it was a very difficult decision for me. However, I feel that the end of this Congress is the right time for me to step aside,” said Akaka.

Looking to the future, Sen. Akaka said that he plans to return to Hawaii saying, “Millie and I will return to Hawaii at the end of this Congress and spend time with our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I would also like to spend time documenting my life and career, and serving as a mentor to future political leaders.”

Akaka also said he was proud of his staff in both Washington D.C. and in Hawaii for their accomplishments.  “They have exemplified the true meaning of being a public servant. They have worked tirelessly and without their dedication and loyalty, I could not have accomplished all that I did,” said Akaka.

The long-time senator also offered special thanks to fellow U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye saying, “I will forever be grateful for his friendship and steadfast support.”

“I will always cherish the time I spent working in Washington, D.C., and extend my heartfelt thanks to the people of Hawaii for their confidence in me,” said Akaka.  “It has been a great honor and privilege to serve the people of Hawaii,” he said.