Former Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono has produced her first radio ad in her campaign for the U.S. House seat in the 2nd Congressional District. The ad features an endorsement from Wendy Mink, daughter of the late U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink, who held the 2nd Congressional seat for 12 terms.

The radio ad can be heard on Hirono's Web site: maziefor congress.com.

WILDLIFE GROUP ENDORSES CASE

Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund has endorsed U.S. Rep. Ed Case in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.

The environmental group recognized the congressman for his work in protecting the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and his opposition to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Meanwhile, Case has released a new television ad highlighting his record on the environment.

The ad, which shows Case and his wife, Audrey, picking up trash on a beach, notes the congressman's support for protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, endangered species and air and water quality.

POLICE GROUPS SUPPORT AKAKA

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka has won endorsement from several organizations, including the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers and Hui Ana O Makai, an organization of retired Honolulu police officers.

He also won support from the National Association of Social Workers, a 150,000-member national organization.

The group threw its support behind the senator "in light of (his) commitment to the well-being of individuals, families and communities."

FOR ABERCROMBIE

U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie has been endorsed by the National Association of Social Workers Political Action for Candidate Election and Planned Parenthood Federal PAC.

POLITICAL CALENDAR

MEET DEMOCRATS SATURDAY AT WCC

Windward Democrats will host a candidates forum featuring Democrats running in Districts 47 to 51 from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Windward Community College, Hale 'Akoakoa, room 103.

The free event is open to the public and includes continental breakfast. Parking is available adjacent to the building.

Democratic Party candidates for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House in the 2nd Congressional District, governor, lieutenant governor and the Legislature have been invited. Each candidate will make a brief presentation, answer questions and meet with voters.

For more information, contact Chuck Prentiss, Region Nine chair for the Hawai'i Democratic Party, at 263-6121 or e-mail him at prentissc001 @hawaii.rr.com.

Another candidate forum this week: