The 2nd Congressional District is an odd chunk of the state that includes all the Neighbor Islands administered by Kaua'i, Maui and Hawai'i, and a hook-shaped swath of O'ahu that covers all of the Windward side, the North Shore and Wahiawa, Kunia, Makakilo, Kapolei, and all of the Leeward coast, starting from Kalaeloa.

If you live in the district, your duty and responsibility should be readily apparent in the weeks to come.

Congressman Ed Case gave up the congressional seat to run against Sen. Daniel Akaka, and without an incumbent in play the race has attracted 13 men and women who rose to the challenge to claim the seat.

They showed up. Will you?

Your job is the most important one on election night. Only you can decide who gets to fill the seat.

That makes this Thursday a key night. KGMB-TV will televise a live debate that night at 6:30 p.m. sponsored in part by The Advertiser and the Pacific Resource Partnership. This is a prime opportunity to hear from the candidates on issues that are important to you.

Among the candidates are former and current state legislators, former and current City Council members, and a former lieutenant governor. There are plenty of experienced political hands. But there are also some new voices. Put them all together and you get a real mix of views and values across generational and political perspectives.

It would be a shame to take the easy route and vote for a name simply because you recognize it.

Get to know all the candidates, the veterans and the fresh faces. Learn where they stand on issues important to you.