The pace of competition for the U.S. House seat being vacated by Rep. Ed Case has begun to accelerate, with candidates in the crowded Democratic primary particularly eager to gain attention.

Because there are so many candidates, in fact, simple name recognition may largely be the name of the game.

It will take only a relatively small plurality to win the primary, so the candidate most at top of mind on election day is likely to win.

That said, it would be a shame if the candidates fail to use this opportunity to give the voters of Hawai'i a clear debate on the core issues that will face this state and the Congress in the years to come. Such issues range from the war in Iraq, the soaring federal deficit, issues of civil liberties and security at home and abroad, to domestic matters such as the Jones Act and the role of the military in the Islands.

Since Hawai'i tends to leave members of Congress in place once elected, this becomes a virtual first-and-last opportunity to test these ideas on a relatively even political playing field.

It's up to the candidates to make this election about more than just name recognition.