Former congressman Ed Case told supporters today that he has taken a job at Outrigger Enterprises Group as senior vice president and chief legal officer, which likely will end his political career.

Case, who lost campaigns for the U.S. House and U.S. Senate over the past seven years, has been mentioned as a potential candidate for urban Honolulu’s 1st Congressional District. U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is vacating the seat to challenge U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz in the Democratic primary for Senate.

Case told supporters he would not run for public office while at Outrigger. “Since I hope that’s a long time, this likely ends any further political career,” he wrote. “But I fully intend to continue to participate in the public life of our Hawaii and country and look forward to those opportunities.

“To each of you who’s supported and voted for me throughout my political endeavors, I again extend my humblest and most heartfelt mahalo. We truly have made a lasting difference together, and words do not express my gratitude. I urge you to stay involved as we all need you, and Audrey and I truly look forward to staying in touch and to helping you along your own paths.

“To those who’ve listened and considered, I deeply appreciate you. And if we’ve disagreed, e kala mai – please forgive me; I meant no offense, and thank you for caring.”

Case, an attorney at Bays, Lung, Rose and Holma, represented the rural Oahu and Neighbor Island 2nd Congressional District from 2002 to 2007.

Case will manage legal affairs for Outrigger Enterprises Group, including assisting with the acquisition, development and management of real estate assets, supporting the company’s hotel and condominium management business, and overseeing internal and external legal matters.

He will replace Donna Leong, who was chosen by Mayor Kirk Caldwell in May to serve as Honolulu’s corporate counsel. 

“We are fortunate to have someone of Ed’s tremendous caliber and reputation join our Outrigger team,” said David Carey, president and CEO of Outrigger Enterprises Group. “His extensive experience in real estate and property law, coupled with his insights gained as a former U.S. congressman and Hawaii state representative and his deep understanding of our community, make for an outstanding addition to our executive team. Ed’s experience working with foreign companies is also a plus, given our continued expansion beyond Hawaii’s shores.”

“I am truly honored to join such a legendary and dynamic company like Outrigger that is mounting a visionary expansion throughout the Pacific and Asia under David Carey’s leadership,” Case said in a news release. “Like so many local residents, I practically grew up with Outrigger, so it is especially gratifying for me to now be part of a company that is synonymous with Hawaii and a team that’s helping to take this iconic company into an exciting new era.”