Linda Lingle, Former Republican Governor Of Hawaii, To Run For Senate
WASHINGTON — Linda Lingle, a former two-term governor of Hawaii, announced Tuesday that she is entering the state's Senate race, giving Republicans hope of capturing the seat being vacated by Democrat Daniel Akaka, who is retiring.
Lingle, 58, said that one of her strengths is getting people to work together regardless of party affiliation, a concept that she believes is in short supply in Washington.
"If elected, first, foremost and always, my decisions will put Hawaii people first as we decide the critical issues facing our state and country," Lingle said in a statement.
Lingle was the state's first female governor and served from 2002-2010. She won with about 62 percent of the vote in her second race. Her victories indicated she can appeal to moderate Democrats, which could be critical in an election cycle that features native son President Barack Obama at the top of the Democratic ticket.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee noted that she nominated Sarah Palin for vice president at the GOP's national convention in 2008, and called Palin a "true leader."
Lingle praised Akaka, as embodying "the spirit of aloha in Washington, D.C." and serving the state for 34 years.
Lingle also served for two terms as the mayor of Maui. In a radio interview, she stressed that she would focus on curbing government regulation and spending.
Rep. Mazie Hirono and former Rep. Ed Case are competing for the seat in next year's Democratic primary.
Hirono narrowly defeated Case in the Democratic primary for the 2002 governor's race, but she later lost to Lingle.
GOP officials in Washington believe that Lingle's entry into the race will also require the Democratic Party to invest in the race, which could leave less money available for races in swing states such as Missouri and Ohio.
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KEVIN FREKING 10/11/11 10:35 PM ET Associated Press