HONOLULU -- Rep. Ed Case's announcement that he will run against Sen. Daniel Akaka on Thursday angered many established Democrats who said Case's decision will hurt the party.

Some top Democrats warned Case that running against Akaka could mean the end of his political career.

Senior Sen. Daniel Inouye complained that Case made it look like he was running for re-election to the House. Then, Case called him Thursday afternoon.

"I must confess I was rather stunned by his announcement," Inouye said in a written statement. "I hope Congressman Case will reconsider his decision."

Many in the party felt Rep. Neil Abercrombie had earned the first shot when either Akaka or Inouye chose to retire. Case's move boldly challenges Inouye's succession plan.

"When it comes to the congressional delegations, that's a team you've got to be a member of that team," Abercrombie said.

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Case said he's bucked the Democratic establishment before and he thinks the voters like independence. The move shakes the image of the Democrats as controlled by Inouye. The party chairman predicts harmony will prevail, eventually.

"All feelings will be put aside at the end of the challenge," Hawaii Democratic Party Chairman Brickwood Galuteria said.

The party now has a problem. Case's open seat in Congress has Republicans licking their chops.

"With a Republican in the White House, it's good to have a Republican in the delegation," Hawaii Republican Party leader Sam Aiona said.