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Posted: Saturday, February 6th, 2010 7:44 AM HST

Third Hawaii Democrat won't run for Congress

By Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) — A Democrat who had been considering entering the three-way race to replace U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie says he won't run. State Sen. Will Espero said Friday he won't launch a campaign in part because of concern from Democratic Party leaders that he would dilute the party's chances of holding onto the congressional seat. So far, the two Democrats running are Senate President Colleen Hanabusa and former U.S. Rep. Ed Case, and the Republican is Honolulu Councilman Charles Djou. In a winner-take-all special election, Espero says party members were worried the Democrats would split the vote and allow the Republican candidate to win. Abercrombie has said he will resign Feb. 28, and a special election would be scheduled as soon as May 1. (Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved)