U.S Rep. Ed Case yesterday issued a news release thanking his supporters in his unsuccessful bid for the U.S. Senate.

Case, D-Hawai'i, lost Sept. 23 in his bid to unseat incumbent Sen. Daniel Akaka. Akaka received 54 percent of the vote in the Democratic primary while Case got 45 percent.

Akaka faces Republican state Rep. Cynthia Thielen and Libertarian candidate Lloyd Mallan in the Nov. 7 general election.

"For those of you who helped my candidacy along in whatever way, I and our entire Case for Senate 'ohana are eternally grateful," wrote Case, a two-term congressman who leaves office Jan. 2.

"Although we didn't prevail on election night, there's no question that together we accomplished much and contributed positively to democracy in our state and country, and there's great satisfaction in that," he said.

Case said he has not decided what he will do after he leaves office but indicated he will be involved in public service.

"I'm in no way disillusioned with government and elective public office, and remain passionate about the need for constructive, future-oriented change for our state and country," he said "And I've been deeply touched by the number and diversity of people urging me to seek elective office again. I do know that the centers of my life have been and will continue to be my family, Hawai'i and public service, and I'm sure that the right path will emerge soon enough.

He also asked people for feedback on his campaign: "What did we do right and wrong? Did you vote for or against me and why?" he wrote.