Former U.S. Rep. Ed Case said Tuesday that U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono has not adequately outlined her public-policy positions and is avoiding debates in their Demo­cratic primary for U.S. Senate.

"Trying to find exactly what Mazie has done, what she thinks and what she will do is like sticking your hand in warm Jell-O. There’s just nothing there," Case said at a news conference at his campaign headquarters at Ward Warehouse.

The first of five forums between Hirono and Case before the August primary was scheduled for Thursday but was postponed by Oahu Demo­crats, the sponsor. Case, who trails Hirono in fundraising and endorsements and in some public-opinion polls, said Hirono has turned down additional debate opportunities.

Party leaders had suggested a forum at the state Demo­cratic convention this weekend, but the Hirono campaign did not include it on her debate schedule. Hirono has purchased rally time on Sunday morning that was offered by the party. Case declined to purchase rally time and described Hirono’s decision to buy time instead of debate as "pathetic."

"This is like Mazie applying for the job, refusing the interview and then expecting the voters to hire her," he said.

Case also released the results of an internal poll that showed that he and Hirono were deadlocked in the primary. The Demo­cratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which prefers Hirono, called Case’s poll results "highly questionable" and indicated that Hirono has a double-digit lead.

Carolyn Tanaka, a Hirono campaign spokes­woman, said, "As for the former congressman’s remarks relating to the upcoming state Demo­cratic convention and debates, the people of Hawaii want a senator like Mazie Hirono who attacks Hawaii’s and the country’s challenges with personal determination and a cooperative style, not someone who attacks other people with personal pettiness and a divisive approach."