Hanabusa: Age should not be part of Hawaii race

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HONOLULU — U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa of Hawaii says the way her competitor’s allies have made age an issue in her run for U.S. Senate is insulting to voters.

HONOLULU — U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa of Hawaii says the way her competitor’s allies have made age an issue in her run for U.S. Senate is insulting to voters.

Hanabusa is running against U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz for the seat that opened when Sen. Daniel Inouye died in 2012.

In appointing Schatz, Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Schatz would have the chance to build seniority over decades. He’s said Hanabusa wouldn’t because she’s too old.

The 62-year-old Hanabusa says no elected official should feel entitled to a guarantee of seniority.

Abercrombie, who is running for re-election as governor this year, did not respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.

Schatz’ campaign, which has raised the issue of the 41-year-old’s ability to develop seniority, declined comment.