Representing a small state on Capitol Hill without getting lost in the congressional crowd requires some combination of two key skills. One, the member needs the ability to call attention to an issue that affects the state specifically; secondly, it also requires collaboration to get a solution across the finish line.

In a relatively crowded field seeking the Democratic nomination for the 1st Congressional District seat, two candidates have emerged as the most likely to succeed at this — but it’s Ed Case, who would be making his return to Washington, who has the edge.

The closest competitor for Case, who left Congress in 2007, is Doug Chin, appointed lieutenant governor after Shan Tsutsui resigned. It was Chin’s outspoken opposition to the Trump administration’s travel ban that took him onto the national stage and raised his profile locally, while serving as the state’s attorney general.

Previously, as city managing director, Chin did considerable work behind the scenes and has brought energy to this race, his first-ever political campaign.

However, he lacks a track record constituents could examine, while Case does point to his record. In his interview with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Case cites his role in the establishment of the Papa- hanaumokuakea National Monument and in saving Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard from closure as impactful accomplishments.

The politically moderate Case has been called a “blue dog” Democrat, an endangered species in these polarized times.

He supports the military, but considers it to be “right sized,” and not needing expansion, assuming the U.S. does not assume a war footing. His call for sensitivity to civilian needs is critical at a time when defense interests in Pacific Basin are intensifying.

It’s also important to note that, in balancing out Hawaii’s more liberal delegation, Case would be a voice for those here who are more conservative or moderate, and who generally have little representation. And while he expresses skepticism about the president’s stance on trade, immigration and other issues, he is less overtly oppositional than Chin.

Voters do want someone who won’t fade into the woodwork, but having an advocate without a target on his back may serve Hawaii better now during such hyperpartisan times on the Hill.

The Star-Advertiser is not endorsing in the Republican primary: Cam Cavasso, Emmanuel Tipon or Raymond Vinole will advance; along with Libertarian Michelle Tippens and Green Zachary Burd. Nonpartisans John Cipolla and Calvin Griffin also are running.

2ND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is up against two Democratic challengers. Sherry Campagna co-owns an environmental planning, permitting, remediation and renewable energy company. She also served as state chair of the Women’s March on Washington. And Tony Austin is a military veteran, business owner and party activist.

All three rank health care access and related issues among pressing concerns for the rural district. We’re disappointed that so far voters have yet to hear these candidates debate their views, as Gabbard has refused to participate in any forums against a primary challenger since being elected to Congress six years ago. Campagna has rightly criticized the slight. Gabbard’s move is particularly irksome as she called out Hillary Clinton in 2016 for not giving Bernie Sanders enough debates, asserting that the issue at hand is one of “democracy, of freedom of speech.”

The popular incumbent gets a reluctant nod over the newcomers, in part, because of her attentiveness to constituents, such as those struggling due recent natural disasters including flooding and lava flow. The primary’s winner will face lone Republican candidate Brian Evans.

U.S. SENATE

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, a Democrat, is running unopposed in the primary election. Hirono has taken on a higher-profile role in Washington as an opponent of some of the Trump administration’s policies and actions. A Japanese immigrant, Hirono has been particularly vocal against the president’s immigration policies.

If elected to serve a second term in the Senate, Hirono said she intends to zero in on access to quality, affordable health care. In a written statement assessing priorities, she said: “While Hawaii has benefited from the state’s Prepaid Health Care Act for years now, my top priority in the Senate is to continue to defend this progress and to fight back against attempts on the federal level to reduce care or make it more expensive – while looking for ways to make care better and more accessible for all.”

A roster of eight Republicans are vying to face Hirono in the general election. Among them, Robert Helsham, a Kalihi native and military veteran, gets the primary election nod. Topping Helsham’s priorities for the state, from the federal perspective, are efforts he maintains can help reduce Hawaii’s high-cost-of-living issues. They range from opposing federal tax hikes to modernizing or eliminating the Maritime Act of 1920 (Jones Act).

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TOMORROW: Contested Oahu primary races in the state Senate.