U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie has more than $1 million in cash available for his re-election campaign in 2008 as he tries to discourage serious challengers and clear a path for a possible run for governor in 2010.

The congressman has raised more than $550,000 for his campaign, federal records show, and began the election cycle with more than $600,000 left over from his last campaign. The $1.15 million is substantially more money than the amounts he had at this point in other recent election campaigns.

"I think it shows a realistic assessment of the support we have. I'm very pleased with it," Abercrombie said yesterday from Washington, D.C. "I've worked very, very hard over the years to prove myself, and I think that there has been a response."

Abercrombie, now in his ninth two-year term representing urban Honolulu's 1st District, has not had a difficult re-election campaign since he faced Orson Swindle, a decorated Marine and former Vietnam prisoner of war, in 1996.

Abercrombie considered running for governor against Gov. Linda Lingle last year but chose to stay in Congress, where he is now chairman of the House Armed Services Committee's air and land forces subcommittee.

Friends believe Abercrombie is interested in running for governor in 2010, but say the Congressman does not want to talk openly about his ambition until after next year's election.

Other potential Democratic candidates for governor are former congressman Ed Case and Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who has said he is concentrating on his re-election for mayor next year.

Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona has been vigorously raising money for a Republican campaign for governor.

In Republican circles, Honolulu Prosecutor Peter Carlisle and Honolulu City Councilmember Charles Djou are mentioned as potential contenders for either Congress or statewide office. Djou has pulled fundraising papers for lieutenant governor in 2010.

By posting such a large campaign finance number so early, Abercrombie hopes to demonstrate his strength and have a psychological effect on his rivals.

"We have several people who are certainly qualified, but so far none of them have approached me with the specific intent to run against him," Willes Lee, the state GOP chairman, said of Abercrombie. "But we expect that we'll have more than one. I would expect that there will be a primary for that election."

Abercrombie, asked if would run for governor, said he learned a lesson from his unlikely first victory to the state House in 1974 not to take anything for granted in politics. He said he is seeking re-election to Congress next year and will consider any future campaigns later.

"Never take anything for granted," Abercrombie said. "Always work hard. Always assume that you're going to have the toughest possible contest, and never look past it.

"I know that sounds almost like a cliche, like a football coach talking or something, but the plain fact of the matter is that it's true. You never look past what's in front of you."

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com.