Former U.S. Rep. Ed Case said Wednesday that he would bridge a "yawning chasm" between business and government, describing government as too intrusive and an obstacle to economic growth.

Case, who is running against U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, said there needs to be more participation by the business community to influence government decision-making.

"I think we would all agree also that government is too often the obstacle rather than the solution," Case said during a speech at the Smart Business Hawaii convention at the Ala Moana Hotel.

Without referring to Hirono by name, he suggested his opponent would offer "more of the same" partisan division that has caused gridlock in Washington, D.C.

Case, a moderate who was part of the Blue Dog coalition of fiscally conservative Democrats when he was in Congress, said he has sought a middle path between the anti-government rhetoric of the right and the big government tendencies of the left. But his approach has created doubts about his dedication to party values among liberal and traditional Democrats who are most likely to vote in the primary.

Case has urged all voters — including the conservative and libertarian-oriented audience at Smart Business Hawaii — to vote in the Democratic primary.

"I’m a candidate that believes deeply that what is most missing in Washington today is strong and effective leadership," he said.

Case said his economic agenda would focus on tax reform, trade, technology and increasing talent in the work force. He said economic growth may depend, however, on whether the nation squarely faces other challenges, such as a balanced federal budget and deficit reduction.

Betsy Lin, Hirono’s campaign manager, said Hirono this week unveiled major tourism legislation that has won bipartisan praise and has the potential to create new Hawaii jobs. "That’s the difference between Mazie and Ed," Lin said.

"It’s a little odd to hear former Congressman Ed Case argue against ‘more of the same’ after spending 27 years running for political office. But, apparently, that’s his story and he’s sticking to it," Lin said. "That said, Mazie believes much about Washington is broken — which is why the Senate needs constructive, Hawaii leaders like Mazie Hirono doing their part to create jobs and economic growth."