Schatz wins key newspaper endorsement

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Hawaii’s best-known newspaper, has endorsed Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) over his primary challenger, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-Hawaii).

{mosads}The paper calls it a “difficult choice” between the two, commending both candidates for their “intellect and political savvy.” But it throws its weight behind Schatz, who was appointed to the seat in late 2012.

“In that short time, the 41-year-old former lieutenant governor and state lawmaker has demonstrated a commitment to his party’s ideals and an ability to connect with D.C. power-brokers who can advance a progressive agenda on the state’s behalf,” the paper writes.

The endorsement is a boost for Schatz, who has led in fundraising and in the few public polls of the race ahead of the Aug. 9 primary election.