We haven't even had our 2008 elections and already the 2010 contest has started.

Republican City Councilman Charles Djou has told friends and supporters he is running for U.S. Congress in 2010 in the district how represented by Democrat Neil Abercrombie. In his letter, Djou sounds as if he has Abercrombie in his sights, declaring Hawaii doesn't need "heated rhetoric." By reputation, if not in fact, Abercrombie is Mr. Heated Rhetoric.

But wait a minute! Who says Abercrombie will even be there in 2010? In fact, that may be part of Djou's thinking.

First, he is term-limited out of his Honolulu Council seat, so he has to do something if he wishes to remain in politics. And Abercrombie has already signaled he might be interested in coming home and running for governor in 2010. Then, too, there is the Barack Obama phenomenon.

If Obama should somehow make it through to the White House, there might be something in the new administration for ardent Obama-backer Abercrombie.

Djou makes a nice contrast to the senior Abercrombie. But bet on this: If Neil is not in the race in 2010, you can be sure the pathway will not be left open for Djou to traipse now alone.