Neil Abercrombie (D) sets resignation date.

This was known, by the way: Abercrombie is resigning in order to run for Governor.  He’ll be ending his term at the end of February:

Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) announced today that he will be resigning from the House next month so he can run for governor, a move that sets the stage for a special election to fill his seat.

“I can now set the effective date of my resignation for February 28, 2010, which will enable state elections officials to plan for a timely and cost-effective special election for the First Congressional District to select a successor who will carry on the work of the people,” Abercrombie said in a statement.

Under Hawaii election law, the state’s chief election officer is tasked with setting the date for a special election, which would be held at least 70 days after the formal resignation.

Via The Caucus. This is a good pickup opportunity for the GOP: the NRCC recruited a good candidate (Charles Djou) and he’s been positioned to run for some time. Also, the Democrats are running two candidates. The actual nature of the special election hasn’t been determined yet, but we’re in a good position for this one.

Moe Lane

Crossposted to RedState.