Sen. Daniel Akaka of Hawaii Announces He Won't Seek Re-Election
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}In this Feb. 16 file photo, Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii speaking during a news conference on Capitol Hill. Akaka says he won't run for re-election next year. (AP2011)
HONOLULU -- Democratic U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka of Hawaii says he won't run for re-election next year.
The 86-year-old announced Wednesday that he'll finish his term and step down after 22 years in the Senate.
Akaka said in a statement that "the end of this Congress is the right time for me to step aside." He didn't expand on his reasons for not running again.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Last week, Hawaii's other senator -- Daniel Inouye -- said he wouldn't be able to give Akaka financial support for his campaign, as he has in the past.
Democrats hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, including two independents who side with them. But they must defend 21 of the 33 seats on the ballot next year, and face a struggle to retain control.