Oahu Election Night Party

Maui Election Night Party

West Hawaii Election Night Party

East Hawaii Election Night Party

Kauai Election Night Party

Aloha friends

On October 11, 2011, I stood with Governor Linda Lingle as she announced her candidacy for Hawaii’s open U.S. Senate seat. Since then we have reconnected with old friends and made new ones statewide as we joined together with one common theme: putting people first.

Our General Election is today, marking just over one year since we started our campaign for this once-in-a-generation election. Polls open at 7:00 a.m. Click here to find your polling location.We could not have made it to this point without your help, which is why I would be honored if you joined me on election night. We will gather at our Oahu Headquarters to mark the beginning of the next step toward a better Hawaii by celebrating our accomplishments and counting down the final hours to victory!

I look forward to seeing you, your `ohana and friends, as we celebrate this special night together.

Come to one of our Headquarters tonight at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy free, ono food and watch the results!

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Join hundreds of volunteers and supporters to watch election results. Television news will be live from the party throughout the night!

Come down to one of our Campaign Headquarters to help us celebrate this important election as we seek to make Linda Lingle our next U.S. Senator, a real commitment to Hawaii’s Future:

Oahu Election Night Party

Maui Election Night Party

West Hawaii Election Night Party

East Hawaii Election Night Party

Kauai Election Night Party

Aloha friends,

What a tremendous outpouring of support we received, riding the trolley around Kailua, Lanikai, and Kaneohe on the Windward Side of Oahu. You would not believe the shakas and cheers, hollers and shouts of aloha we received from so many supporters who were out and about on that Sunday enjoying their day.

Check out all the fantastic pictures that tell the story on our Facebook page by clicking here!

Folks we are coming down to the wire. Tomorrow is the day we have all been working for, and together with your help, we can get out our vote and secure an Election Day victory for Linda Lingle!

Please help do what you can to make that happen. Can you call 5 of your friends and make sure they are voting for Lingle tomorrow? If they are not sure of their decision, point them toward our Issues section on this website where they can learn more.

Can you come down to Headquarters on Election Day and spend 1 hour on the phones, calling voters to make sure they cast their ballot? It’s a fun, festive atmosphere with lots of energy and excitement, food and laughs as we work together for the same goal: Electing Linda Lingle.

Have a great Monday and let’s roll to victory tomorrow!

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Here you will find all the information you will need to cast your vote for Linda Lingle today! If you have any additional questions about your registration status, how to vote, or where you can vote, please contact us at our Campaign Headquarters: 777-8845.

Who can vote in Hawaii elections?

• Anyone who is properly registered may vote in any election.

What if I need assistance with voting?

• Any voter who requires assistance to vote (by reason of physical, visual, hearing impairment or inability to read or write English) may be given assistance by a person of the voter’s choice, as long as the person who is helping is not the voter’s employer, agent of the employer, or agent of the voter’s union.

When do I vote?

• Polls are open on Tuesday November 6th from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. If you have not yet received your absentee ballot, or mailed it in, please plan on voting at your polling location on Election Day.

Where do I vote?

• You will be notified of your polling place with the Notice of Voter Registration and Address Confirmation (NVRAC) card which your county clerk mailed to you.

• If you need to find your polling place, click here to access the Hawaii Office of Elections Polling Place Locator.

• If you have any questions or need help finding your polling place, call our Campaign Headquarters at 777-8845 for assistance.

How To Vote at your Polling Place

Go to the Information and Ballot Demonstration Station located outside the polling place. A precinct official will:

• Assist voters in checking that their name is on the List of Registered Voters;

• Verify that you are at the correct polling place;

• Verify that you are properly registered;

• Instruct you in the proper voting procedures;

• Verify your identity with an ID with your picture and signature on it (such as your driver’s license);

• Verify the information in the poll book;

• Have you sign the poll book; and

• Issue you a ballot and a ballot secrecy folder to cast your ballot in the precinct counter machine.

If you have any questions or need help finding your polling place, call our Campaign Headquarters at 777-8845 for assistance.

Aloha friends,

We had a terrific time yesterday throughout Mililani, Ewa and Kapolei. You can see the excitement and energy pouring out of supporters all around those town, eager to see Linda Lingle elected as our next U.S. Senator. As we’ve said all along, this will be a close race, and we need all of you to help as we approach Election Day on Nov. 6 – just 2 days away!

If you missed us on the LingleExpress Trolley Tour yesterday, you have another chance to join in the fun today in Kailua! Supporters are welcome to join us, wave signs, honk  horns, cheer and throw shakas to the folks we drive by. Just meet us at the Trolley and Commercial Bus Parking Lot next to Windward Community Federal Credit Union (151 Hekili Street in Kailua) at 1:30 p.m. Email Colleen@Lingle2012.com if you’d like to join us, or want to connect at a later stop in Kailua in the day!

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Aloha friends,

Welcome to the weekend – let’s get cracking! There’s no letting up these last THREE days, before Election Day: We are barnstorming across the state, with supporters on every island coming out to let everyone know we want a Senator who has the skills, proven record, and independent leadership to guide us and break through the gridlock that has halted any progress in Washington.

Today is your LAST DAY to vote early. I urge you to get out there and cast your early ballot – and bring two of your friends with you too! Getting our voters out early puts us on the path to victory: Can you help us today?

If you’re not sure where to go, click here for information.

And catch us in Mililani, Ewa and Kapolei today! We’re starting off on the LingleExpress, 10 a.m. in Mililani. Meet outside the Burger King across the street from Mililani High School, and supporters are welcome to board and ride the Victory Trolley Tour around Mililani, before we proceed to Waipio, Ewa and Kapolei later in the day! Email Colleen@Lingle2012.com if you’d like to join us, or want to connect at a later stop in the day!

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

HONOLULU – The Majority PAC television ad plagiarizes spots presented by the Lingle campaign and attempts to deceive voters of the ad’s backers. Funded by the Majority PAC, a mainland Super PAC dedicated to the sole purpose of preserving a Democrat Majority in the U.S. Senate, the message is filled with lies about Governor Lingle’s positions and direct plagiarism of messaging put forth by Governor Lingle.

The Lingle campaign has corrected the ad line-by-line:

Majority PAC says: “Special interests from the mainland are spending over $1million to support Linda Lingle…”

FACT: The Majority PAC itself is a “special interest from the mainland.” This is the pot calling the kettle black.

Majority PAC says: “…because she [Linda Lingle] will work with them to get corporate tax breaks…”

FACT: Mazie Hirono is trying to raise taxes on small businesses. Governor Lingle has consistently advocated for reducing taxes on small businesses, who are the primary job creators in our nation.

Majority PAC says: “…Lingle supports the loopholes that will let them ship our jobs overseas”

FACT: This national line of attack should be directed at Mazie Hirono, who voted against the free trade agreement with South Korea which President Obama said would create tens of thousands of jobs here at home.  Hawaii would clearly benefit from this agreement and yet Hirono was the only member of Hawaii’s delegation to vote no.

Majority PAC says: “Lingle will be a lockstep vote for the Republican plan to obstruct and torment President Obama every step of the way.”

FACT: Governor Lingle is a founding member of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Governors Council, chosen for her record of working in a bipartisan way.  Linda Lingle has stated that she will work with whomever is elected President on Nov. 6.  Her dedication is to developing bipartisan solutions and her only allegiance is to the people of Hawaii.  It is Mazie Hirono who has attacked her opponents every step of the way.

Majority PAC says: “Mazie Hirono is an independent voice for Hawaii.”

FACT: Mazie Hirono voted with her party 96% of the time; hardly an independent record.

FACT: Mazie Hirono told a Big Island reporter, “No matter how desirous you are of  wanting to work in a bipartisan way, it’s not going to happen.”

FACT: In Governor Lingle’s most recent ad titled Independent Voice, released on Oct. 26, she states that she will be “your independent voice in Washington.” The direct plagiarism of Governor Lingle’s bipartisan message is being pursued by the legal counsel for the Linda Lingle Senate Committee.  This claim of independence is particularly disingenuous coming from the Super PAC which is dedicated to solely to maintaining partisan control.

Majority PAC says: “Mazie will fight for our jobs. Always has. Always will.”

FACT: In Governor Lingle’s television ad titled You Know Me, released on Oct. 8, she succinctly states she will not be another Washington Republican, “never has been. Never will be.” Mazie Hirono’s mainland backers are recognizing Hirono’s inability to articulate any job protecting or creating measures, so they are stealing the clear, succinct messages of Linda Lingle.

The Washington D.C. operatives cannot come up with anything original and instead rely on copying the work of others, a tactic Hirono uses often, just like when she copied Senator Schumer’s U.S. VISIT bill.

# # # #

For Immediate Release: November 2, 2012

HONOLULU – Mazie Hirono is hosting a rally today to slander Governor Linda Lingle in regards to the 2009-2010 teacher furloughs, a tactic that has been a hallmark of Hirono’s campaign.

“For over a year now, Hirono has ducked the important issues facing our state, and instead has focused on misleading and downright false attacks on Governor Lingle. Today, she is hosting a rally to bash Governor Lingle on an issue that has been put to bed by several independent sources, including the Star-Advertiser and Honolulu Magazine,” said Campaign Manager Bob Lee. “Hirono should be holding a rally to talk about getting the over 40,000 unemployed in Hawaii back to work,” Lee added.

“Just today, Neil Abercrombie’s letter to the editor said, ‘When you can’t win on the issue, attack the individual.’ Hirono should take note from members of her own party who are fed up with baseless attacks, and a total disregard for the key issues facing Hawaii’s families,” continued Lee.

“In working to distract the public from her complete lack of a platform and her inability to articulate specific plans addressing issues, Hirono continues to rely on false claims. Hirono knows the fact is, no governor can furlough teachers. Period. The facts of the school furlough story are clear and Hirono’s attempts to re-write history have been debunked over and over again,” Lee concluded.

# # # #

Hirono says to vote for her because she’ll work with Senator Inouye but she was the only vote against trade with Korea, putting even more jobs in Hawaii at risk.

Source:

HR 3080 – Free Trade Agreement with Korea http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/hr3080

Aloha friends,

What a terrific show!

If you were at Aloha Tower yesterday, you know how infectious the energy was for everyone who attended. You can feel it there, just like we’ve been feeling it across the state: The outpouring of support and enthusiasm for Linda Lingle for U.S. Senate is undeniable, and we will ride this wave to victory in just 4 days!

Over 500 people turned out to support Linda Lingle at the concert and rally, which featured the beautiful sounds of Na Leo Pilimehana and Anuhea. I can’t tell you how many people came up to me and told me how they were either so proud to have already cast their vote for our future Senator, or they were so excited to be doing it EARLY!

And that’s what I want to emphasize to you all: The importance of voting early. Please click here to find out the locations open to serve you on early voting, where you just walk in with your ID and cast your ballot. This early voting really  helps us come Election Day and can be the difference in our Get Out the Vote Efforts and winning. So click here for information if you need it.

Go visit our Facebook page and see all the pictures posted! More will be shared soon too!

Have a great Aloha Friday, and until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

GENERAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF HAWAII SUPPORTS LINDA LINGLE FOR U.S. SENATE

Five Business Groups Support Lingle

HONOLULU – The General Contractors Association of Hawaii (GCA), the local chapter of the national Associated General Contractors of America, is supporting Governor Linda Lingle for Hawaii’s open U.S. Senate seat. GCA is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year and is an organization comprised of over 600 general contractors, subcontractors, and construction related firms and remains the largest construction association in the state of Hawaii.

“I’m humbled by the support of so many hard working builders and contractors, and I will continue working with members of the building community to support policies that get one of our state’s largest industries back to work,” Governor Lingle said at a breakfast with GCA Hawaii members yesterday morning.

GCA joins a growing coalition of business leaders supporting Linda Lingle for U.S. Senate, including the Associated Builders and Contractors, Maui Chamber of Commerce, and the Hawaii Restaurant Association, as well as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The General Contractors Association of Hawaii was formed in 1932 by general contractors from the four major islands of Hawaii. The General Contractors Association of Hawaii is the industry leader dedicated to skill, integrity and responsibility.

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) was established in 1918 and is a full service national trade association with a nationwide network of 95 exceptional chapters, AGC represents nearly 30,000 leading firms in the industry.

# # # #

Hirono says to vote for her because she’ll work with Senator Inouye. But Hirono was the only Hawaii legislator to vote for deep cuts to funding our military, [1] and for cuts that would cost 10,000 jobs here in Hawaii. [2]

Sources:

[1] HR 1473 – Department of Defense Budget and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/hr1473.
[2] S. 365 (112th), Roll Call Vote #690 (August 1, 2011); Stephen S. Fuller, “The Economic Impact of the Budget Control Act of 2011 on DOD and Non-DOD Agencies”, George Mason University (July 17, 2012).

Aloha friends,

I hope your week is going great as we hit the midweek point. It’s just 6 days until Election Day. Let’s go gang! We can win this, but we need your help for Linda Lingle each and every day. Even if you’re not able to come down and join us at an event stop, or at headquarters, you can be a HUGE help by taking the information you see here on our website, or on Facebook, and sharing it with your friends.

Also, be sure to tell everyone you know about our new Get Out the Vote Website: http://www.HawaiiNeedsLingle.com.

There was a letter to the editor that ran recently in West Hawaii Today which again debunked our opponent’s furlough claims, “Furloughs – Just One More Time.“
This is must read: please check out this letter below or click here to read it online.

We need your help NOW by forwarding this email to 10 friends, posting this West Hawaii Today letter on your Facebook wall, or sharing the facts with your family, friends and business associates.

Have a great day. Until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Watch the interview by KITV’s Lara Yamada of Linda Lingle by clicking here. Article below.

Oct. 29, 2012

KITV

HONOLULU — It would top a career that’s broken barriers and brought a needed voice to Hawaii politics.

“My first issue was a broken drinking fountain at the senior citizen center that’s what got me into politics,” said former Governor Linda Lingle.

Decades later, the young woman who started the Molokai Free Press, and fought for that drinking fountain, has a resume that’s covered the scope of Hawaii politics, showing she can beat the odds time and time again as a Republican in a heavily Democratic state.

“It was people saying we’ll trust you and see how you do,” said Lingle.

By 2002, after years as a council member, and two terms as Maui’s mayor, she became the first female governor in Hawaii and the first republican in that seat in 40 years.

“People look beyond the party label and look to the things I stood for,” she told KITV4 reporter Lara Yamada.

Though she’s caught heat for issues such as same-sex marriage, the demise of the super ferry, and furlough Fridays, she takes great pride in pulling the state through the 2008 economic collapse, closing a multi-billion dollar gap in state revenue, and the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, that she said, generated support across party lines.

“I think it was an example of what a community can do when it pulls together and doesn’t care about who gets credit, doesn’t care about what your party is, but just what’s best for our state, not just today, but over the long term,” said Lingle.

Lingle turned reflective talking about her unfinished wish-list as governor, for one, helping incarcerated women and the families they left behind.

“Having a facility that could bring the community in to help them, I think, would give them a lot of hope that someone cared about them as a person as an individual,” she said.

This year, Hirono voted against funding the Tsunami Warning Network that provides Hawaii with early tsunami detection and warnings. [1] The high-tech buoy network faced $4.5 million in cuts in February, and Hirono opposed bipartisan House legislation to fully fund the critical system for FY2013 [2].

Conversely, through Governor Lingle’s leadership, Hawaii vastly improved its state civil defense operations. In 2005, Hawaii became the first state in the nation to earn the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service StormReady and TsunamiReady designations. Through the StormReady and TsunamiReady programs, Hawaii became better prepared to protect the lives and property of its residents and visitors during severe weather events. This readiness was aptly demonstrated in the safe and timely evacuations for our coastline communities statewide during the Chile Tsunami of February 27, 2010 and during the Japan (Tohoku) tsunami of March 11, 2011.

Sources:

[1] Roll Call Vote (available at: http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2012/roll249.xml).

[2] Committee Report (available at: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/cp2gpo.script/http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CRPT-112hrpt463/pdf/CRPT-112hrpt463.pdf). ; Text of Legislation (available at:http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112hr5326eh/pdf/BILLS-112hr5326eh.pdf).

Aloha friends,

Welcome to Tuesday!

We have a new tool that you can share: http://www.HawaiiNeedsLingle.com. This is our special, Get Out the Vote Website.

It’s a simple 1-page website that lets people get involved, donate, or click to find out their own voting information. Please share it with you friends now. Time is short, and we must do all we can to ensure victory on Nov. 6

Mazie Hirono is claiming the success of Hawaii’s Pre-Plus early learning program as her own accomplishment in her newest television ad, a resume padding attempt which is not born out by the facts.

Hirono’s new ad claims that she “created” Hawaii’s Pre-Plus early learning program, which is simply not the case. This is a common tactic for Hirono to tout the great efforts of so many others as her own signature accomplishment.

The new television ad claims, “Mazie Hirono created Hawaii’s Pre-Plus Program so children from the working class families can attend high quality pre-schools.”

Despite Hirono’s attempts to re-write history, the Pre-Plus early learning program was initially developed in 2001 when State and private agencies such as the Good Beginnings Alliance, Hawaii Association for the Education of Young Children, Head Start and the legislature’s Keiki Caucus began working collaboratively. Much later, in February 2002, the Lieutenant Governor’s office assumed oversight of the project until the Cayetano Administration left office just 10 months later.

Following Governor Lingle’s inauguration in December 2002, management of the Pre-Plus program was transferred to the Department of Human Services, who under the Lingle Administration successfully secured over $10 million in funding to build preschools on elementary school campuses throughout the State.

At best, it’s disingenuous for Hirono to claim she ‘created’ the Pre-Plus program, even if she only had 10 months of oversight after the program was already established, at worst it’s yet another example of Hirono intentionally misleading the people of Hawaii to prop up her own empty record of accomplishments in any office she served.

Hawaii voters won’t be fooled. They know they have a proven, independent leader they can count on in Linda Lingle. Gov. Lingle will always put Hawaii’s “people first.”

Have a great day. Until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

HIRONO TAKES CREDIT FOR INNOVATION OF OTHERS IN NEW AD

HONOLULU – Mazie Hirono is claiming the success of Hawaii’s Pre-Plus early learning program as her own accomplishment in her newest television ad, a resume padding attempt which is not born out by the facts.

“Hirono’s new ad claims that she ‘created’ Hawaii’s Pre-Plus early learning program, which is simply not the case. This is a common tactic for Hirono to tout the great efforts of so many others as her own signature accomplishment,” said Bob Lee, Campaign Manager for Governor Lingle.

The new television ad claims, “Mazie Hirono created Hawaii’s Pre-Plus Program so children from the working class families can attend high quality pre-schools.”

“Despite Hirono’s attempts to re-write history, the Pre-Plus early learning program was initially developed in 2001 when State and private agencies such as the Good Beginnings Alliance, Hawaii Association for the Education of Young Children, Head Start and the legislature’s Keiki Caucus began working collaboratively. Much later, in February 2002, the Lieutenant Governor’s office assumed oversight of the project until the Cayetano Administration left office just 10 months later,” Bob Lee added. [1]

Following Governor Lingle’s inauguration in December 2002, management of the Pre-Plus program was transferred to the Department of Human Services, who under the Lingle Administration successfully secured over $10 million in funding to build preschools on elementary school campuses throughout the State.

“At best, it’s disingenuous for Hirono to claim she ‘created’ the Pre-Plus program, even if she only had 10 months of oversight after the program was already established, at worst it’s yet another example of Hirono intentionally misleading the people of Hawaii to prop up her own empty record of accomplishments in any office she served.

“Unfortunately for the people of Hawaii, this type of resume-padding behavior is business as usual for Hirono, who is well versed in taking credit for the achievements of others. Even her former boss, Democrat and current candidate for Honolulu Mayor noticed, saying in his memoir that he created the Pre-Plus program and tasked Hirono to run it, but ‘by 2002 little had been accomplished’ under her leadership. [2]

“Like so many of her so-called signature accomplishments, the program’s successes were actually the result of the leadership and collaboration of others – including members of the Lingle Administration,” Bob Lee added.

Visit the following link to read Governor Lingle’s education policy, and view her past accomplishments: http://www.lingle2012.com/education-hawaii/

Sources:

[1] Pre-Plus History, Department of Human Services (available at: http://hawaii.gov/dhs/pre-plus).

[2] Ben, a memoir from street kid to governor, Benjamin Cayetano, Watermark Publishing (538-39) (2009) (“I had tried to do the same for Hirono by asking her to take the lead on . . . establish[ing] preschools (“Pre-Plus”) in the public schools. Sadly, by late 2002 little had been accomplished.”).

# # # #

Hirono’s new television ad claims, “Mazie Hirono created Hawaii’s Pre-Plus Program so children from the working class families can attend high quality pre-schools.”

Despite Hirono’s attempts to re-write history, the Pre-Plus early learning program was initially developed in 2001 when State and private agencies such as the Good Beginnings Alliance, Hawaii Association for the Education of Young Children, Head Start and the legislature’s Keiki Caucus began working collaboratively. Much later, in February 2002, the Lieutenant Governor’s office assumed oversight of the project until the Cayetano Administration left office just 10 months later. [1]

Even her former boss, Democrat and current candidate for Honolulu Mayor noticed, saying in his memoir that he created the Pre-Plus program and tasked Hirono to run it, but ‘by 2002 little had been accomplished’ under her leadership. [2]

[1] Pre-Plus History, Department of Human Services (available at: http://hawaii.gov/dhs/pre-plus).

[2] Ben, a memoir from street kid to governor, Benjamin Cayetano, Watermark Publishing (538-39) (2009) (“I had tried to do the same for Hirono by asking her to take the lead on . . . establish[ing] preschools (“Pre-Plus”) in the public schools. Sadly, by late 2002 little had been accomplished.”).

Aloha friends,

Welcome to the start of a new week!

We have a new tool that you can share: http://www.HawaiiNeedsLingle.com. This is our special, Get Out the Vote Website.

It’s a simple 1-page website that lets people get involved, donate, or click to find out their own voting information. Please share it with you friends now. Time is short, and we must do all we can to ensure victory on Nov. 6.

The Hawaii Tribune Herald and The Maui News have endorsed Linda Lingle for the U.S. Senate, citing her proven, effective leadership. Both newspapers are focused on Hawaii’s future and recognize that Linda Lingle’s executive experience and effective leadership is what Hawaii needs.

I want to remind you to vote early by absentee, either walk-in or mail-in. For instructions on doing that, click here. The earlier we get our voters out, the more our phone bankers can focus on those who have not yet cast ballots. This is all part of our strategy, and it’s essential for victory next Tuesday.

I hope your week gets off to a great start. And until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

“This is another skewed poll from Ward Research whose methodology is wildly out of step with that of real political polling firms.

“Most recently in the Democrat Primary election, the Ward poll showed Tulsi Gabbard losing to Mufi Hanneman by 10 points and she went on to win by 21 – a more than 30 point difference. That Ward poll was laughable in July for those of us working with legitimate political pollsters and after the primary in August it became an embarrassment for those who paid for it.

“Our nationally recognized pollster pointed out the flaws in the methodology of the Ward poll, noting that the distribution used by the Star Advertiser’s poll as too Democratic (60%) and not representative of historic exit polling data in Hawaii (see memo dated 10/26/12 attached).

“Based on incredibly strong debates by Governor Lingle, our most recent tracking poll shows this race is a statistical dead heat. During the debates, the voters – even those who are unlikely Lingle supporters – were able to see that Mazie Hirono does not have the leadership history and qualifications to be an effective U.S. Senator.

“We believe in Linda Lingle, we believe in her record of leadership, and we believe in our plan to win this election. Nothing in this wacky Ward Research poll changes a single thing we are doing or planning to do.”

Aloha friends,

I’m sure you all, like me, breathed a sigh of relief as we escaped another tsunami event in Hawaii unscathed. How fortunate we are to only have to endure the humbug of unpacking our valuables, as opposed to a potentially far more disastrous outcome had things not turned out as they did.

Speaking of big waves, we are in the middle of a huge political surge with just 9 days left until Election Day! All across the state, on the ground, we are seeing a massive outpouring of support for people wanting to do all they can in these last few days to help. And now we have a new tool that you can share: http://www.HawaiiNeedsLingle.com.

It’s a simple 1-page website that lets people get involved, donate, or click to find out their own voting information. Please share it with you friends now. Time is short, and we must do all we can to ensure victory on Nov. 6.

The Hawaii Tribune Herald and The Maui News have endorsed Linda Lingle for the U.S. Senate, citing her proven, effective leadership. Both newspapers are focused on Hawaii’s future and recognize that Linda Lingle’s executive experience and effective leadership is what Hawaii needs. The neighbor island papers know Congresswoman Hirono well because they are in the district she has supposedly served for 6 years, and they know that her ineffectiveness will not suffice for Hawaii’s future.

I want to remind you to vote early by absentee, either walk-in or mail-in. For instructions on doing that, click here. Also, once you vote, be sure to leave us a note on Facebook! It’s a great way to help spread the information, enthusiasm and momentum in the social media world about this important election to vote in Linda Lingle as our next U.S. Senator!

Enjoy your Sunday, and until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Small Business Backs Lingle in Hawaii Senate Race

NFIB says Lingle did big things for small business as Governor and she’ll bring a badly needed pro-business approach to the Senate

Honolulu (October 24, 2012) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) today announced its support for former Governor Linda Lingle in her race for the United States Senate.

“Linda Lingle was an outstanding governor who improved the business climate in Hawaii and that’s exactly the kind of leadership that Hawaii small businesses need in the Senate,” said Lisa Goeas, NFIB Vice President of Political and Grassroots. “She knows that expanding the private sector is the only way to improve the US economy.  And she knows that the only way to accomplish that is to get the federal government out of the way.”

Lingle faces Rep. Mazie Hirono to replace retiring Senator Daniel Akaka. According to Goeas, Hirono has been on the wrong side of every small business issues during this session.

“Congresswoman Hirono has voted against the interest of Hawaii small businesses on virtually every key issue,” Goeas continued. “Small businesses have a choice between a proven reformer who is committed to job creators and a member of Congress who has voted against them on every important piece of legislation. There’s really no choice in this election. Small businesses in Hawaii need Linda Lingle in the Senate.”

At the start of every congressional session, NFIB surveys its members on key issues to identify their positions.  Then the organization tracks the votes of every member of Congress and the Senate and applies a score from zero to 100 percent (the best), which becomes part of its Voting Record. In the current session Rep. Hirono turned in a score of zero.  In other words, she voted against NFIB members on all of the 13 issues that they identified as key votes.

“Clearly, Hawaii small-business owners deserve better than that,” said Goeas.  “They need a voice in Washington, and we have no doubt that Linda Lingle will be a forceful advocate for their interests.”

Lingle’s endorsement comes from NFIB’s Save America’s Free Enterprise Trust (SAFE), the association’s political action committee, and is based on positions regarding key small-business issues including health care, taxes, and labor and regulatory issues.

Small-business owners and their employees vote in high numbers and are known for actively recruiting friends, family members and acquaintances to go to the polls. NFIB will encourage its members in Hawaii to help turn out the small-business vote for Linda Lingle this coming Election Day.

For more information about NFIB, please visit www.nfib.com.

NFIB is the nation’s leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C., and all 50 states. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small and independent business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists sends their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information about NFIB is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.

They said it: The National Federation of Independent Business, on of the nation’s largest small business organizations said yesterday that Hawaii’s mom and pop small business owners deserve better than Congresswoman Hirono, who “voted against the interest of Hawaii small businesses on virtually every key issue.”

“Small businesses have a choice between a proven reformer who is committed to job creators and a member of Congress who has voted against them on every important piece of legislation. There’s really no choice in this election. Small businesses in Hawaii need Linda Lingle in the Senate.” [1]

They said it: “There are no personal accomplishments cited. She is 0 for a lifetime in getting bills passed in Congress . . . Lingle is not a partisan – Hirono’s only stated asset is that she is a partisan to the death.” [1]

Hawaii needs and deserves a U.S. Senator who will make decisions on what is best for America and Hawaii – and not what the party line is. That person is Linda Lingle.

Aloha friends,

Welcome to Saturday morning!

We had a tremendous turnout on Maui yesterday for our Get Out the Vote Rally with Linda Lingle. Governor wants to thank each and every one of you who took the time to come down and join her and the team there, and she knows she can count on you for your strong support these final 10 days before Election Day.

Our campaign HQs around the state are humming, and that reflects the groundswell of grassroots support we’re seeing build each day. Governor is extremely visible, making stops all over the state, in one final push to make her case that this is the most important election of a generation, and an opportunity for us to set a new tone in Washington. We can elect a “doer,” not a follower, someone with a proven track record of success, and who has the ability to work across party lines: Linda Lingle.

Gov will be on Maui this morning, going to the 39th Annual Senior Fair at 9 a.m.

Did you see the latest piece in The Maui News? That paper’s editorial staff continue to impress upon readers the need to elect Linda Lingle. Read it by clicking here.

Have a great day, and until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Aloha friends,

Happy Aloha Friday!

Hard to believe this is the second-to-last time I will greet you Happy Aloha Friday before Election Day! Governor is so grateful for the hard work you’ve all put in on this campaign since last October when she made her announcement on KSSK Radio that she was running for the open U.S. Senate seat. And with your continued support and drive these last 11 days, we will make it a success!

Part of that push is getting out our vote, so it’s perfect timing for us to have a Get Out the Vote Rally on the Valley Isle! Maui supporters will be joining Gov. Lingle at the Maui Tropical Plantation today at 5:30 p.m. Come join us! See the flyer below for details.

Have a great day, and until next time

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

The $716-billion cut to Medicare that Hirono supports includes cuts in reimbursements to doctors, hospitals, nursing services, hospice facilities and home health services, as well a $300 billion cut to the Medicare Advantage Program, upon which 43% of Hawaii’s seniors depend. Moreover, according to AAN the total Medicare cuts to Hawaii are $2,151,990,000. [1] That means cuts of $10,648 to each and every one of our 202,097 kupuna right here at home in Hawaii. [2]

Hirono provides double talk when asked about the massive cut to Medicare she is supporting. When she says it won’t affect beneficiaries, she’s just not telling the truth and Hawaii deserves better.

Come on Thursday, Nov. 1, at 5:30 p.m., and listen to the fabulous music of talented local artists Na Leo and Anuhea, live at Aloha Tower, during the Pau Hana Concert & Rally in support of Linda Lingle for U.S. Senate.

Enjoy free ono pupus by Gordon Biersch, and hear from Linda Lingle about her plans that put Hawaii’s people first.

The only admission price you need to pay is with a canned-good donation for Hawaii Foodbank! That’s it! So what’re you waiting for? Click here for the Facebook event listing, and be sure to click the “join” button and then click the “invite” button to get your friends to join the party too!

See the flyer below!

Aloha friends,

Welcome to Thursday!

Today Gov. Lingle will be visiting with folks at Maui Electric for a candidates fair. Not surprisingly, Mazie Hirono declined to attend this event in front of her own constituents. Remember too that Congress, of which Mazie Hirono is a current member, is enjoying a roughly 10% approval rating across the country. It’s no secret why.

But Linda Lingle has always kept neighbor island residents top of mind, and it’s why she made it a point to attend candidates forums on all the islands, regardless of Mazie Hirono refusing to attend a single one.

I want to remind you to vote early by absentee, either walk-in or mail-in. For instructions on doing that, click here. Also, once you vote, be sure to leave us a note on Facebook! It’s a great way to help spread the information, enthusiasm and momentum in the social media world about this important election to vote in Linda Lingle as our next U.S. Senator!

Until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Aloha friends,

What a terrific day this was. I have to say I am quite a bit more tired than I’m used to after a long day, and that’s thanks to the wonderful Zumba instructors that had us bumping and hopping all over the Blaisdell Arena floor this evening!

We had a great group of energetic supporters turn out to Zumba for Linda Lingle, and Gov. Lingle and Duke Aiona were out there on the floor as well! What a great way to exercise, and even better, do it with friends and supporters like the nice folks who attended. Mahalo.

Today we also cast ballots for Linda Lingle at Honolulu Hale, and Gov. Lingle was pleased to see all the folks come out and do the same thing with her. Early voting is crucial for Election Day Victory, so I hope you are planning to vote early, either by mail-in or walk-in. For instructions on that, click here.

Have a great day, and until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Hirono called the South Korea Free Trade Agreement was a “bill will help large corporations,” but the fact is small businesses and agricultural of Hawaii are the ones that will benefit from the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement. The goods export industry supports over 4,000 Hawaii jobs. [1]

Hawaii’s small businesses will directly benefit from the agreement’s elimination on popular agricultural exports including papayas and unroasted coffee, which were eliminated immediately, and pineapple tariffs, which will be phased out over 10 years. [2]

HIRONO’S TAX POLICIES WILL HIT MIDDLE CLASS WITH TAX INCREASE

HONOLULU – Congresswoman Mazie Hirono twice voted to increase taxes on Hawaii’s middle-income families making $35,351 or more per year. The tax increases would have hurt over 115,000 working families in Hawaii, more than one third of all families who file income taxes in Hawaii. [1]

“Contrary to her rhetoric and her efforts to portray herself as caring about working people, Mazie Hirono’s actions clearly illustrate either that her words are just talk or that she simply does not understand the impact of her votes. We cannot afford a Senator who does not consider the effects of her policies on the people here at home,” said Campaign Manager, Bob Lee.

Mazie Hirono voted in 2011 and again in 2012 for the ‘Congressional Progressive Caucus’ budget, [2] which would increase by a full 12% the taxes paid by wage earners starting at $35,351. [3]

“This tax increase would squarely hit Hawaii’s middle class families. Thankfully in 2012, this proposal was defeated 78 to 346, with “no” votes from Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and 106 other Democrats. This is just another example of how Hirono’s policies are out of sync with what we need here at home,” added Lee.

“Mazie Hirono needs to explain why she would vote to increase the tax burden on Hawaii’s middle class. We are also waiting for answers on why she cut $716 billion from Medicare which will hurt our kupuna [4], as well as her vote for across-the-board cuts to our military that would severely affect Hawaii [5], and her vote against the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement [6] which would help Hawaii’s farmers. All of these votes cast severe doubt on Mazie Hirono’s claim that she stands with or even understands Hawaii’s middle class,” concluded Bob Lee.

Sources:

[1] U.S. Census Bureau, 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Selected Economic Characteristics:  2006-2010 Hawaii, Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (Geographic Area Profiles (5-Year Estimates) “DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics”) (available at: http://hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/census/acs/ACS2010/ACS2010_5_Year/acs_hi_2010_profiles_5_yr_estimate).

[2] Roll Call Vote No. 148, Clerk of the House of Representatives (available at: http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2012/roll148.xml); Roll Call Vote No. 274, Clerk of the House of Representatives (available at: http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll274.xml).

[3] Congressional Progressive Caucus Budget Analysis, Bipartisan Policy Center (March 2012) (available at: http://bipartisanpolicy.org/blog/2012/03/congressional-progressive-caucus-fiscal-year-2013-budget-details).

[4] Congressional Budget Office and Joint Committee on Taxation Estimation of Direct Spending and Revenue Effects of H.R. 6079, Congressional Budget Office (July 24, 2012) (available at: http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/43471-hr6079.pdf); HR 4872, CQ Vote #167: Passed by a vote, (March 21, 2010) (Hirono Voted Yea); HR 3590, CQ Vote #165: Motion agreed to, (March 21, 2010) (Hirono Voted Yea).

[5] Roll Call Vote No. 690, Clerk of the House of Representatives (available at: http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll690.xml).

[6] Roll Call Vote No. 783, Clerk of the House of Representatives (available at: http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll783.xml).

# # # #

In last night’s final debate of the General Election, Congresswoman Hirono refused to answer for her actions which will harm Hawaii’s residents and small businesses.  She avoided answering questions about why she voted twice to raise taxes on Hawaii’s middle class families, why she voted against Hawaii small businesses when she opposed the Korea Free Trade Agreement and why she proposed a bill (VISIT USA) that would raise the cost of housing for Hawaii residents. [1]

The people of Hawaii deserve a leader in the U.S. Senate that will be clear, decisive and specific in how she would address the challenges our state and country face.

For immediate release: October 22, 2012

HIRONO REFUSES TO ANSWER FOR ACTIONS HARMFUL TO HAWAII

HONOLULU – In tonight’s final debate of the General Election, Congresswoman Hirono refused to answer for her actions which will harm Hawaii’s residents and small businesses.  She avoided answering questions about why she voted twice to raise taxes on Hawaii’s middle class families, why she voted against Hawaii small businesses when she opposed the Korea Free Trade Agreement and why she proposed a bill (VISIT USA) that would raise the cost of housing for Hawaii residents.

“Mazie Hirono’s policies are clearly out of step with Hawaii and they are harmful to our future.  The people of Hawaii need a proven, independent leader who presents a plan and understands the challenges we face.  After watching four televised debates, the people know that leader is Linda Lingle,” said Campaign Manager Bob Lee.

“Throughout this election and especially in the debates, Governor Lingle was clear, decisive and specific in how she would address the challenges our state and country face. On the other hand, as expected Hirono stayed true to her partisan rhetoric and her shallow interpretation of the facts,” added Lee.

Hirono Continues to Mislead Voters with Inaccurate Statements

Hirono tonight continued her misleading and inaccurate statements, designed to intentionally mislead Hawaii voters. Her inaccuracies and deceptive statements have been detailed, fact-checked and sourced in the Debate Fact Check Addendum that follows, many of which have been corrected in previous debates.

Claim: Hirono claimed the progressive budget that she voted for which would raise taxes on Hawaii’s middle class is “not the budget we need to worry about.”

Fact: Congresswoman Hirono voted twice to increase taxes on Hawaii’s middle-income families—those making $35,351 or more per year. Had these measures passed, they would have hurt over 100,000 working families in Hawaii, more than one third of all families who file income taxes in our state. [1]

Mazie Hirono voted in 2011 and again in 2012 for the ‘Congressional Progressive Caucus’ budget. [2] That budget would increase by a full 12% the taxes paid by wage earners starting at $35,351. [3] This tax increase would squarely hit Hawaii’s middle class families.  Thankfully in 2012, this proposal was defeated 78 to 346, with “no” votes from Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and 106 other Democrats.

Sources:

[1] U.S. Census Bureau, 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Selected Economic Characteristics:  2006-2010 Hawaii, Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (Geographic Area Profiles (5-Year Estimates) “DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics”) (available at:  http://hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/census/acs/ACS2010/ACS2010_5_Year/acs_hi_2010_profiles_5_yr_estimate).

[2] Roll Call Vote No. 148, Clerk of the House of Representatives (available at:  http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2012/roll148.xml); Roll Call Vote No. 274, Clerk of the House of Representatives (available at:  http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll274.xml).

[3] Congressional Progressive Caucus Budget Analysis, Bipartisan Policy Center (March 2012) (available at:  http://bipartisanpolicy.org/blog/2012/03/congressional-progressive-caucus-fiscal-year-2013-budget-details).

Claim: Hirono claimed that the VISIT USA Bill will create jobs, but she fails to answer for the provision of her signature legislation that will increase the cost of housing for Hawaii families.

Fact: Rep. Mazie Hirono’s bill would raise housing prices in Hawaii, making it unaffordable for local families who are struggling to find a home in one of the most expensive housing markets in the nation. [1]

The VISIT USA bill, which Hirono has touted as her signature legislation, would allow foreigners to apply for residential visas to the United States if they purchase a residential property for at least $500,000. This incentive may be good for the mainland, but as the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported,“[i]n Hawaii, however, where the housing supply is low, and high prices have kept homeownership out of reach for many middle-class families, incentives for foreign investors who have the resources to pay cash up front could drive up prices.” [2]

Sources:

[1]  http://www.nhc.org/chp/p2p/

[2]   http://www.staradvertiser.com/newspremium/20121021_Lingle_hits_bills_possible_isle_impact.html?id=175134251&id=175134251&c=n&c=n

Claim: Hirono claimed the South Korea Free Trade Agreement was a “bill that will help large corporations.” She also justified her vote against the free trade agreement “because Hawaii’s farmers have competition from elsewhere”.

Fact: The people of Hawaii are the ones that will benefit from the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement. U.S. goods exports to South Korea support over 4,000 Hawaii jobs. [1] In 2009, South Korea was our state’s third-largest foreign market. In that year, Hawaii exported $67 million in hard goods to Korea. According to the U.S.-Korea Business Council, the free trade agreement is poised to increase exports to South Korea since it was ratified earlier this year. In addition, Hawaii’s farmers and small businesses will directly benefit from the agreement’s immediate elimination of tariffs on popular agricultural exports including papayas and unroasted coffee. The 30-percent tariff on bananas and guavas will be phased out over five years, and pineapple tariffs will be phased out over 10 years. [2]

The Korea Free Trade Agreement would also phase out tariffs on roasted coffee, and the 567% tariffs on macadamia nut imports. [3]

Because Hawaii farmers “have competition from elsewhere,” as Hirono stated, the free trade agreement would help them by reducing tariffs and duties that are imposed by Korea on Hawaii’s agricultural products.

Mazie Hirono, worked against improving trade with South Korea when she voted against this overwhelmingly popular and beneficial agreement. Congresswoman Hirono was out of step with our entire Hawaii Congressional delegation and President Obama. Luckily she was out-voted because her position would have hurt job creation in Hawaii and the rest of America.

Sources: 

[1] U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement Benefits for the Hawaii Economy, U.S.-Korea Business Council (available at:  http://www.uskoreafta.org).

[2] U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement – Hawaii Farmers Will Benefit, U.S. Department of Agriculture (September 2011).

[3] U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement Benefits for the Hawaii Economy, U.S.-Korea Business Council (available at:  http://www.uskoreafta.org/).

Claim: Hirono claimed her vote for “sequestration” (automatic across-the-board budget cuts) was necessary to “avoid the fiscal cliff and reneging on our debt.”

Fact:

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the fiscal cliff itself was caused by sequestration [1], which Mazie Hirono voted for.  Not the other way around.

No one – not President Obama, Simpson/Bowles, or Domenici/Rivlin – identified any such ‘fiscal cliff’ before Congress caused the cliff.  The fact is that the term ‘fiscal cliff’ came-up only after the sequestration was agreed to. [2]

As part of the Budget Control Act, Congress passed automatic across-the-board budget cuts (known as the sequestration).  The intent was that the Super Committee’s plan would replace the automatic cuts.

Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta, warned Congress that the sequestration budget cuts would threaten “programs critical to our nation’s security.” The defense industry is already warning of massive layoffs. ”Congress can’t keep kicking the can down the road,” Panetta said. [3]

All independent analysis, including from the Congressional Budget Office [4], squarely point to the sequestration and expiration of the Bush tax cuts (which the Super-Committee also failed to deal with) for the ‘fiscal cliff’.

Unlike Hirono, Governor Lingle would not have supported sequestration, which threatens our military and our national defense with steep and dangerous cuts. Hirono essentially kicked the can down the road instead of seriously addressing the issue.

Sources:

[1]  Congressional Budget Office, “Economic Effects of Reducing the Effects of Reducing the Fiscal Restraint That is Scheduled to Occur in 2013”, May 2012

[2]  Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (Simpson-Bowles), “Between a Mountain of Debt and a Fiscal Cliff”, March 29, 2012

[3] Panetta: Sequestration threatens ‘critical’ programs (June 29, 2012). Available online:  http://www.politico.com/blogs/on-congress/2012/06/panetta-sequestration-threatens-critical-programs-127788.html

[4]  Congressional Budget Office, “Economic Effects of Reducing the Effects of Reducing the Fiscal Restraint That is Scheduled to Occur in 2013”, May 2012

Claim: Hirono claimed Governor Lingle has issued misleading attacks on her voting record. Hirono tried to defend her voting record by challenging Governor Lingle’s assertion that Hirono’s rate of missed votes is twice that of her Congressional colleagues.

Facts: From the very same source that Hirono cites in her television ad refuting Governor Lingle’s claim, the facts are clear: from January 2007 to September 2012, Hirono missed 257 of 5,081 recorded or roll call votes, which is 5.0%. This is worse than the median of 2.5%.

Source:   http://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/mazie_hirono/412200

Claim: Hirono claimed that the $716 billion cuts to Medicare “are payments that cannot be justified.”

Fact:  Hirono is also trying to divert the public’s attention from her support of a $716-billion cut to the Medicare program that Medicare’s Chief Actuary Richard Foster says will jeopardize access to care because lower payments would drive some doctors and hospitals out of business [1].

The $716-billion cut to Medicare that Hirono supports includes cuts in reimbursements to doctors, hospitals, nursing services, hospice facilities and home health services, as well a $300 billion cut to the Medicare Advantage Program, upon which 43% of Hawaii’s seniors depend. Moreover, according to AAN the total Medicare cuts to Hawaii are $2,151,990,000. [2] That means cuts of $10,648 to each and every one of our 202,097 kupuna right here at home in Hawaii. [3]

Hirono provides double talk when asked about the massive cut to Medicare she is supporting. When she says it won’t affect beneficiaries, she’s just not telling the truth.

Sources: 

[1] Romney’s Right – Obamacare Cuts Medicare by 716, here’s how, Washington Post; (August 14, 2012) (available at:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/wp/2012/08/14/romneys-right-obamacare-cuts-medicare-by-716-billion-heres-how).

[2] $716 billion cut to Medicare broken down by state, American Action Network (available at  http://www.theycutyourmedicare.com/).

[3] Hawaii Population over Age-65, U.S. Census (available at:  http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/15000.html).

Claim: Hirono continues to claim she would reduce the federal debt and deficit by ending Bush-era tax cuts, cutting Medicare waste, ending oil company tax breaks and supporting President Obama’s Jobs bill.

Fact: Hirono is only pretending to solve the deficit crisis.

“Ending the Bush-era tax cuts” and “taxing the rich” will not end our annual $1.3 trillion deficit and our $16 trillion national debt.  According to IRS statistics, those making more than $1 million had a total adjusted gross income (AGI) of $240 billion in 2009 (latest year IRS has reported the figures).[1]  If government were to take these millionaires’ entire income (essentially tax them at 100%), it would raise $240 billion a year.  This would cover just 18.5% of the current $1.3 trillion deficit.

“Cutting {[ting]} Medicare Waste” is a phantom figure for a budget savings.  A GAO report dated March 9, 2011[2], stated that in fiscal year 2010 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the agency that administers Medicare and Medicaid, made a total of over $70 billion in improper payments. Medicare waste should be eliminated.  But it is a fallacy to assume its elimination and then insert as a “hard” number {and} the estimate of what could be saved if and when Medicare waste is eliminated.

“Ending oil company tax breaks” is an overly simplistic political talking point which ignores the reality of energy subsidies.  According to the CBO, the cost of all subsidies to fossil fuel producers (oil, gas and coal) amounts to $2.5 billion a year [3] or enough to fund six hours of the federal government.  Cost of subsidies to renewable energy, however, totaled $13.9 billion.

“Support[ing] President Obama’s Jobs Bill” would not reduce our federal deficit or debt.  In fact, if provisions of this bill pass, it will result in excess of $440 billion additional deficit and debt. [4]  Following on the $800 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus funds, this additional stimulus will alone add another nearly half-trillion to the nation’s $16 trillion debt.

Sources:

[1] IRS, Statistics of Income Division, July 2011

[2] GAO, MEDICARE AND MEDICAID FRAUD, WASTE, AND ABUSE, Effective Implementation of Recent Laws and Agency Actions Could Help Reduce Improper Payments,  http://www.gao.gov/assets/130/125646.pdf

[3] Congressional Budget Office, Issue Brief, Federal Financial Support for Development and Production of Fuels and Energy Technologies, March 2012;  http://cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/03-06-FuelsandEnergy_Brief.pdf

[4] Office of the White House Press Sec., “Fact Sheet on American Jobs Act”, October 4, 2011

# # # #

Hawaii News Now Live Debate Fact Checks:
October 22nd, 2012

GOVERNOR LINGLE DETAILS COMPLEX CHALLENGES FACING NATION IN THIRD TELEVISED DEBATE

Hirono stumbles, shows lack of understanding of key issues

HONOLULU – In the third televised U.S. Senate debate of the General Election, Governor Linda Lingle clearly articulated the challenges facing our state and nation as well as presented her detailed and specific plan for restoring confidence in Hawaii and our nation’s future. In stark contrast, Congresswoman Mazie Hirono avoided specifics and instead relied on vague themes, a bleak legislative record and national party sound bites to prop up her candidacy.

“The Island Insights format really allowed the opportunity to deliver deep and thoughtful responses to the questions about Hawaii’s future. After listening side by side, there is simply no comparison. Governor Lingle understands the intricacies of issues that affect our future and she is able to articulate how they will impact Hawaii. She proved this while discussing issues as diverse as the sequestration, the VISIT USA bill, and defense spending in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Campaign Manager Bob Lee. “Hawaii voters saw once again that Congresswoman Hirono does not understand the issues and the importance they play in our lives here at home. The people of Hawaii cannot risk sending Hirono to the U.S. Senate where understanding the issues and being able to effectively advocate for Hawaii’s best interests is key.”

The U.S. Senate debate tonight was sponsored by PBS and moderated by Dan Boylan.

Hirono Continues to Mislead Voters with Inaccurate Statements

In the third televised debate, Congresswoman Hirono continued to repeat misleading and inaccurate statements, many which have been corrected as recently as two days ago. Despite Hirono’s attempts to intentionally mislead Hawaii voters, the Congresswoman’s inaccuracies have been detailed, fact-checked and sourced in the Debate Fact Check Addendum that follows.

Claim: Mazie Hirono claims she supported 12 initiatives to help small businesses.

Fact: Simply casting a vote in favor of a measure is far from being the champion for small business that Hawaii greatly needs.

Hirono claims to be an advocate for Hawaii small businesses but deliberately neglects to mention the proposals she supported to raise their tax burden. [1]

Sources:

[1] Hirono voted against the small business tax deduction bill that would allow businesses with fewer than 500 employees a 20 percent tax deduction on their 2012 income. (HR 9, CQ Vote #177: 4/19/12, Hirono Voted Nay)

Hirono voted against a study committee substitute budget that would cut the business tax rate to 25 percent. (H Con Res 112, CQ Vote #149:  3/29/12, Hirono Voted Nay)

Hirono voted for the substitute budget that would eliminate a variety of business tax incentives. (H Con Res 112, CQ Vote #150: 3/29/12, Hirono Voted Yea)

Claim: Hirono claims she is “stunned that she [Governor Lingle] said earlier that she would not have supported the Budget Control Act.”

Fact: Mazie Hirono voted for sequestration in August 2011.  Unlike Hirono, Governor Lingle would not have supported sequestration, which threatens our military and our national defense with steep and dangerous cuts. Hirono essentially kicked the can down the road instead of seriously addressing the issue.

Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta, warned Congress that the sequestration budget cuts would threaten “programs critical to our nation’s security.” Panetta has said that the Pentagon isn’t planning for sequestration, which would go into effect on Jan. 1. The defense industry is already warning of massive layoffs. ”Congress can’t keep kicking the can down the road,” Panetta said. [1]

Source

Claim: Mazie Hirono claimed that without “sequestration” our nation’s credit rating “would have crashed.”

Fact: S&P did not downgrade the U.S. credit due to the level of debt.  The downgrade was based on the failure of Washington leaders to deal with the deficit and debt crisis.  Mazie Hirono was part of that Congress that failed to deal with this crisis.

Source:

“United States of America Long-Term Rating Lowered To ‘AA+’ Due To Political Risks, Rising Debt Burden; Outlook Negative” ( http://www.standardandpoors.com/ratings/articles/en/us/?assetID=1245316529563)

Claim: Hirono claimed that she will support the President’s Jobs Bill to create more jobs.

Fact:  According to the White House, the estimated cost of this Jobs Bill would be in excess of $440 billion. After the $800 billion, which the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus already spent, this additional stimulus will alone add another half-trillion to the nation’s $16 trillion debt.

A large portion of the Jobs Bill is based on “shovel-ready” infrastructure projects.  The problem, as ARRA demonstrated, is that there are too few of these projects. Further the $10 billion, which is slated to create a national infrastructure bank, will take years to be fully operational.

Harvard Economist Martin Feldstein, President Obama’s own appointee to Economic Recovery Advisory Board, said bill would cost $200,000 per job created. [1]  Various other Democrats, including Sen. Joe Manchin, also note that the bill is too costly to implement. [2]

Currently, American businesses are sitting on $3 trillion in cash that they are not investing or using to hire staff.  Instead of government spending money it does not have and will need to borrow, it should work on facilitating the private sector spending the $3 trillion it does have.

Sources: 

[1]  Office of the White House Press Sec., “Fact Sheet on American Jobs Act”, October 4, 2011

[2]  New York Times, September 28, 2011; ABC News, October 2, 2011

Claim: Hirono repeatedly claimed “My opponent will turn Medicare into a voucher system.”

Fact: Hirono’s claim that Governor Lingle’s idea of allowing seniors to choose their own health insurance plan as a means of preserving Medicare is a “voucher program” is completely false.

She knows that Governor Lingle’s proposal does not involve a “voucher program.”  A voucher program is where a beneficiary receives a payment (the “voucher”) from government and then fends for him or herself.

Under Governor Lingle’s proposal, Medicare Choice, a beneficiary can select either traditional Medicare or a private insurance plan approved by the Medicare program from a health exchange and the federal government will make the payment directly to the selected insurance provider.

In fact, the current Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, which is available to members of Congress, including Mazie Hirono, and which is considered a “gold standard” of healthcare plans, is just such a program. [1] If this program is good enough for Mazie Hirono and members of Congress, it is good enough for our kupuna.

Source:

[1] Federal Employees Receive High Value Coverage through FEHBP, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (April 16, 2012) (available at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/r/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/08/06/National-Politics/Graphics/FEHBBlueppo.pdf).

Claim: Hirono claimed that her new ad concerning vouchers is factually accurate. 

Fact: Hirono’s completely false claim that seniors will pay as much as $6,400 more in Medicare costs under a premium support plan, was debunked more than a year ago by a well-known, non-partisan organization.

Independent Factcheck.org [1] says, “we’ve been debunking these claims about Ryan’s plan since 2011, and Democrats continue to criticize the old plan more so than the current one. The Romney-Ryan plan would leave Medicare unchanged for current beneficiaries, and for those age 55 or older.”

Factcheck.org calls the claim that Governor Lingle’s idea to give our kupuna more choice, would “end medicare,” “one of the whoppers” of 2011 (Similar ads have been aired in other races on the mainland since last year). Hirono’s ad has met the test of one of the year’s “worst political deceptions.”

Source: 

[1]  Factcheck.org (available at:  http://www.factcheck.org/2012/08/a-campaign-full-of-mediscare/).

Claim: Hirono said that Obamacare does not take $716 billion from Medicare. 

Facts: The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) takes $716 billion from Medicare. [1]

The $716-billion cut to Medicare that Hirono supports includes cuts in reimbursements to doctors, hospitals, nursing services, hospice facilities and home health services, as well a $300-billion cut to the Medicare Advantage Program, upon which 43% of Hawaii’s seniors depend.

Even former Speaker Nancy Pelosi has admitted the dramatic cuts to Medicare: “You don’t have to have cuts in those initiatives in order to reduce cost there, and we have proven that we’re willing to make cuts in the cost to initiatives. We took half a trillion dollars out of Medicare in the Affordable Care Act, the health care bill, already, and there’s certainly more opportunities for savings in that respect.” [2]

Hirono is also trying to divert the public’s attention from her support of a $716-billion cut to the Medicare program that Medicare’s Chief Actuary Richard Foster says will jeopardize access to care because lower payments would drive some doctors and hospitals out of business.

Finally, Governor Lingle is confident that by engaging in a meaningful and bipartisan policy discussion, the current law can address these issues and cost impacts. However, if it is a straight “repeal or not repeal” of the PPACA as-is without any changes, she would vote to repeal. [3]

Sources: 

[1] Congressional Budget Office and Joint Committee on Taxation Estimation of Direct Spending and Revenue Effects of H.R. 6079, Congressional Budget Office (July 24, 2012) (available at:  http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/43471-hr6079.pdf).

[2] Remarks from Nancy Pelosi, CNBC’s “Closing Bell”, 10/29/2011

[3] Washington Post;   http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/wp/2012/08/14/romneys-right-obamacare-cuts-medicare-by-716-billion-heres-how

Claim: Mazie Hirono stated that Dodd-Frank did not “protect ‘too-big-to fail’”.  

Fact: This is wrong. Neil Barofsky, the Special Inspector General for the U.S. Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), a respected authority on the all of the Wall Street bail-outs has stated, “The whole point of Dodd-Frank was to end the era of ‘too big to fail’ banks. It’s fairly obvious that it hasn’t done that.”[1]  In fact, Mr. Barofsky predicts another financial crisis triggered by another Lehman-type bailout of a bank that is “too big to fail”.  He places a “multi-trillion dollar bill” for such a bail-out.

Source: [1] “Neil Barofsky: Another Financial Crisis All But Inevitable”, Hera Research, September 18, 2012 (http://www.resourceinvestor.com/2012/09/18/new-financial-crisis-all-but-inevitable-neil-barof)

Claim: Hirono always claims her “VISIT USA” bill as one of her signature legislative accomplishments, yet she doesn’t understand the components of her own bill. 

Fact: Besides the fact that Mazie Hirono copied the bill from a Senate Bill that was introduced earlier, there is one additional feature in the bill that a thinking Congresswoman from Hawaii should not have introduced and which will cause more housing shortage in the state.

A provision in Hirono’s bill, having nothing to do with tourism, will give a U.S. Green Card to any foreign investor who purchases a house worth at least $500,000.[1] That is just a purchase of an existing house on the market.  Not a new one-to-be-built (which may help create construction jobs). No requirement for an investment in a business or to create new jobs.

As $500,000 is below the median price for a house in Hawaii, this provision will invite and incentivize foreign investors to bid-up housing prices across the state.  A result, this provision will to reduce housing availability for our middle-class families.

The VISIT USA bill is still in committee.  But the key question is why would Mazie Hirono introduce and brag about a bill that would so adversely affect Hawaii’s middle class families?

Source: [1]  http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112hr3341ih/pdf/BILLS-112hr3341ih.pdf

Claim:  Mazie Hirono claimed that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is a special interest group influencing Hawaii voters. 

Fact: Hirono fails to mention the four Super PACs (Emily’s List, AFSCME, Working Families for Hawaii and Local 50), that are supporting her candidacy.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, whose single mission is “to strengthen the competitiveness of the U.S. economy,” and which endorses both Democrats and Republicans is far from a special interest group. The Chamber’s advocacy for legislation and candidates is representative of diverse political interests.  Hirono and her team are resorting to desperate partisan tactics, buzz words and Washington-style politics in an attempt to distract Hawaii voters.

Claim: Hirono claimed that the responsibility to refrain from conducting an environmental impact statement rested with Governor Lingle. 

Fact:  The Hawaii Supreme Court’s Superferry decision was a major departure from well-established law that Governor Lingle and the Legislature relied upon in funding and carrying out infrastructure upgrades for the Superferry’s operation.

In fact, it was the State Department of Transportation (DOT), who reviewed the necessary harbor improvements for the Superferry’s operation in Hawaii. The DOT processed the exemptions in the same way as it had for other harbor improvements in the past. [1] Prior to DOT’s exemption determination, it consulted with the Office of Environmental Quality Control (OEQC) regarding whether an exemption from the environmental review process was appropriate for the proposed improvements. [2] OEQC believed that the proposed improvements fell within the scope of work described in the Department of Transportation’s approved exemption list. [3]

Sources: 

[1] Respondent’s Brief, Sierra Club v. State of Hawaii Dep’t of Trans. I (2007) (21) (“Pursuant to HAR § 11-200-8(a) and upon review and concurrence by the Environmental Council, the State of Hawaii department of Transportation issued its Comprehensive Exemption List.”).

[2]Respondent’s Brief, Sierra Club v. State of Hawaii Dep’t of Trans. I (2007) (22) (“In reviewing the proposed minor improvements to Kahului Harbor, DOT sought OEQC’s advice specifically pertaining to the improvements at Kahului Harbor . . . OEQC director Genevieve Salmonson confirmed that ‘OEQC believes that the proposed improvements fall within the scope of work described in the Department of Transportation’s approved exemption list.”).

[3] Respondent’s Brief, Sierra Club v. State of Hawaii Dep’t of Trans. I (2007) (22) (“In reviewing the proposed minor improvements to Kahului Harbor, DOT sought OEQC’s advice specifically pertaining to the improvements at Kahului Harbor . . . OEQC director Genevieve Salmonson confirmed that ‘OEQC believes that the proposed improvements fall within the scope of work described in the Department of Transportation’s approved exemption list.’”).

# # # #

*Updated on October 18, 2012 at 11:20 p.m.

Insights on PBS Hawaii Live Debate Fact Checks:
October 18th, 2012

9:46 p.m. – Claim: Hirono claimed that the responsibility to refrain from conducting an environmental impact statement rested with Governor Lingle.

Fact: The Hawaii Supreme Court’s Superferry decision was a major departure from well-established law that Governor Lingle and the Legislature relied upon in funding and carrying out infrastructure upgrades for the Superferry’s operation.

In fact, it was the State Department of Transportation (DOT), who reviewed the necessary harbor improvements for the Superferry’s operation in Hawaii. The DOT processed the exemptions in the same way as it had for other harbor improvements in the past. [1] Prior to DOT’s exemption determination, it consulted with the Office of Environmental Quality Control (OEQC) regarding whether an exemption from the environmental review process was appropriate for the proposed improvements. [2] OEQC believed that the proposed improvements fell within the scope of work described in the Department of Transportation’s approved exemption list. [3]

Source: [1] Respondent’s Brief, Sierra Club v. State of Hawaii Dep’t of Trans. I (2007) (21) (“Pursuant to HAR § 11-200-8(a) and upon review and concurrence by the Environmental Council, the State of Hawaii department of Transportation issued its Comprehensive Exemption List.”).

[2]Respondent’s Brief, Sierra Club v. State of Hawaii Dep’t of Trans. I (2007) (22) (“In reviewing the proposed minor improvements to Kahului Harbor, DOT sought OEQC’s advice specifically pertaining to the improvements at Kahului Harbor . . . OEQC director Genevieve Salmonson confirmed that ‘OEQC believes that the proposed improvements fall within the scope of work described in the Department of Transportation’s approved exemption list.”).

[3] Respondent’s Brief, Sierra Club v. State of Hawaii Dep’t of Trans. I (2007) (22) (“In reviewing the proposed minor improvements to Kahului Harbor, DOT sought OEQC’s advice specifically pertaining to the improvements at Kahului Harbor . . . OEQC director Genevieve Salmonson confirmed that ‘OEQC believes that the proposed improvements fall within the scope of work described in the Department of Transportation’s approved exemption list.’”).

9:35 p.m. – Claim: Mazie Hirono claimed that the U.S. Chamber is a special interest group influencing Hawaii voters.

Fact: Hirono fails to mention the four Super PACs (Emily’s List, AFSCME, Working Families for Hawaii and Local 50), who are supporting her candidacy.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, whose single mission is “to strengthen the competitiveness of the U.S. economy,” and which endorses both Democrats and Republicans is far from a special interest group. The Chamber’s advocacy for legislation and candidates is representative of diverse political interests.  Hirono and her team are resorting to desperate partisan tactics, buzz words and Washington-style politics in an attempt to distract Hawaii voters.

9:16 p.m. – Claim: Hirono said that Obamacare does not take $716 billion from Medicare.

Facts: The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) takes $716 billion from Medicare. [1]

The $716-billion cut to Medicare that Hirono supports includes cuts in reimbursements to doctors, hospitals, nursing services, hospice facilities and home health services, as well a $300-billion cut to the Medicare Advantage Program, upon which 43% of Hawaii’s seniors depend.

Even former Speaker Nancy Pelosi has admitted the dramatic cuts to Medicare: “You don’t have to have cuts in those initiatives in order to reduce cost there, and we have proven that we’re willing to make cuts in the cost to initiatives. We took half a trillion dollars out of Medicare in the Affordable Care Act, the health care bill, already, and there’s certainly more opportunities for savings in that respect.” [2]

Hirono is also trying to divert the public’s attention from her support of a $716-billion cut to the Medicare program that Medicare’s Chief Actuary Richard Foster says will jeopardize access to care because lower payments would drive some doctors and hospitals out of business.

Finally, Governor Lingle is confident that by engaging in a meaningful and bipartisan policy discussion, the current law can address these issues and cost impacts. However, if it is a straight “repeal or not repeal” of the PPACA as-is without any changes, she would vote to repeal. [3]

Sources: [1] Congressional Budget Office and Joint Committee on Taxation Estimation of Direct Spending and Revenue Effects of H.R. 6079, Congressional Budget Office (July 24, 2012) (available at:http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/43471-hr6079.pdf).

[2] Remarks from Nancy Pelosi, CNBC’s “Closing Bell”, 10/29/2011

[3] Washington Post;  http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/wp/2012/08/14/romneys-right-obamacare-cuts-medicare-by-716-billion-heres-how

8:57 p.m. - Claim: Mazie Hirono stated that Dodd-Frank did not “protect ‘too-big-to fail’”.

Facts: This is wrong. Neil Barofsky, the Special Inspector General for the U.S. Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), a respected authority on the all of the Wall Street bail-outs has stated:   “The whole point of Dodd-Frank was to end the era of “too big to fail” banks.  It’s fairly obvious that it hasn’t done that.”[1]  In fact, Mr. Barofsky predicts another financial crisis triggered by another Lehman-type bailout of a bank that is “too big to fail”.  He places a “multi-trillion dollar bill” for such a bail-out.

Source: [1]  “Neil Barofsky: Another Financial Crisis All But Inevitable”, Hera Research, September 18, 2012 (http://www.resourceinvestor.com/2012/09/18/new-financial-crisis-all-but-inevitable-neil-barof)

Sources: [1] Factcheck.org (available at: http://www.factcheck.org/2012/08/a-campaign-full-of-mediscare/).

8:46 p.m. – Claim: Mazie Hirono claims, “My opponent will turn Medicare into a voucher system.”

8:36 p.m. – Claim: Hirono claims she wants to help small business, but she is advocating to raise their taxes.

By supporting the “Millionaire’s Tax”, Hirono will raise taxes on Hawaii’s small businesses who file taxes as individuals. Governor Linda Lingle has thought -through and clearly articulated her reasoning for opposing a tax increase on the so-called “top 2%” [or “millionaires tax”]:  Many small business owners and sole proprietorships report business income as personal income.  Governor Lingle has stated: “While people may want to call it a ‘millionaire’s tax,’ in fact, it’s a tax on small business.”

Governor Lingle supports lowering the tax rates for all taxpayers, while ensuring a fair and transparent tax system that raises sufficient revenues for government.

Unlike her opponent, Governor Lingle’s thoughtful review of these critical economic issues has earned her the endorsements of key business organizations here at home, including the Hawaii Restaurant Association and the Association of Builders and Contractors, as well as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that represents more than 3 million businesses nationwide. The small businesses that form the membership rolls of these organizations employ millions of Americans and they recognize the importance of electing leaders like Linda Lingle, who has a deep understanding of the issues and will give each issue the healthy analysis it deserves.

8:19 p.m. – Claim: Mazie Hirono said she is “stunned that [Linda Lingle] said she would not have supported the Budget Control Act”.

Fact: Mazie Hirono stated herself that she voted for sequestration in August 2011.

8:19 p.m. – Claim: Hirono claimed that she will support the President’s jobs bill to create more jobs.

Facts: According to the White House, the estimated cost of this Jobs Bill would be in excess of $440 billion.  After the $800 billion, which the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus already spent, this additional stimulus will alone add another half-trillion to the nation’s $16 trillion debt.

8:14 p.m. - Hirono continues to claim VISIT USA ACT as solely her action:

Fact is, Mazie Hirono introduced the VISIT USA Act on November 3, 2011, a full two weeks after Senator Schumer and Senator Lee introduced the legislation in the Senate.  Mazie’s bill was an exact copy of the Senate bill.

The bill is in committee and has resulted in all talk and no action.

# # # #

For immediate release: October 16, 2012

LINGLE’S RECORD OF RESULTS AND PLAN FOR HAWAII’S FUTURE DOMINATE SECOND TELEVISED DEBATE

HONOLULU – In the second televised U.S. Senate debate of the General Election, Governor Linda Lingle laid out a clear, thoughtful and original plan for addressing the unique needs of Hawaii and the challenges facing our nation. Her opponent, Mazie Hirono, as expected, stuck to scripted national party talking points, which are irrelevant to Hawaii’s electorate.

“Every time these two candidates stand side by side to debate the issues, it becomes increasingly clear to the people of Hawaii that Mazie Hirono’s six years in Washington, D.C. have clouded her understanding of what’s important to us here at home. Her positions are simply out of step with what the people of Hawaii expect and deserve,” said Campaign Manager Bob Lee.

“It is stunning that Hirono continues to use national party talking points especially in contrast to Governor Lingle’s broad, Hawaii-focused and issues-oriented view of how to move our state and our country forward,” Lee added.

The U.S. Senate debate was sponsored by KITV and Civil Beat.

Hirono Continues to Mislead Voters with Inaccurate Statements

Hirono’s misleading and inaccurate statements throughout the course of tonight’s debate have been detailed, fact-checked and sourced in the Debate Fact Check Addendum that follows.  Many have been corrected in previous debates, yet Hirono continues to intentionally mislead Hawaii voters.

Hirono claimed: “She [Lingle] didn’t help” native Hawaiians when she went against the Akaka Bill.

Facts: Governor Lingle has never wavered in her strong support for federal recognition for native Hawaiians and her support for the Akaka Bill.

The Lingle Administration actively supported a bill that would set up a process of recognition first, followed by negotiations between the native Hawaiian governing entity, the State of Hawaii, and the United States. Once that was completed, it would be followed by the Native Hawaiian governing entity’s exercise of governmental powers and authorities.

Amendments made to the bill in December 2009 without Governor Lingle’s knowledge turned that process around, and the bill in 2009 established that the Native Hawaiian governing entity would start with broad governmental powers and authorities, with negotiations to follow.

Both Honolulu newspapers (the Honolulu Advertiser and the Honolulu Star-Bulletin) supported the Governor’s position. [1]

Ultimately, Governor Lingle, the Congressional delegation, and the White House were able to agree on language in 2010, but the bill was never brought to the floor for a vote.

[1]  http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2009/Dec/23/ln/hawaii912230341.html

http://www.staradvertiser.com/editorials/20110403_Akaka_should_submit_bill_that_had_Lingles_support.html?id=119138964

http://archives.starbulletin.com/content/20100328_Restore_Akaka_Bills_original_language

Hirono said: “Sequestration was necessary to prevent the country from going over a fiscal cliff.”

Facts: Sequestration was not about preventing the country from “going over the economic cliff”.  All who understand the current debt and deficit situation of our nation know that “sequestration” itself is what will cause the “fiscal cliff”.   Hirono is clearly confused.

Congress and Mazie Hirono passed “sequestration” as a way to pressure the Congressional Supercommittee to come up with a deficit reduction plan.  Passing the deficit reduction buck to the Supercommittee by the Congress is another example of that body avoiding the difficult issues.  Congress, including Mazie Hirono, failed in providing leadership.  Congress’s adding a “sequestration” as a blunt pressure tool compounded the mistake [1].

That was the only reason Congress passed “sequestration”.  Not a threat of a fiscal cliff.

Unlike Congresswoman Hirono, Governor Lingle wouldn’t have supported sequestration that would have included such steep and dangerous cuts to our military and our nation’s defense as Secretary Panetta has warned. Instead, she believes it is important to deal with the issues at hand, rather than kicking the can down the road as our current Congress has done too often.

Deficit spending must be reigned in, and our nation’s looming debt must be addressed, but the sequestration is not the way to handle it. Congresswoman Hirono and others in history’s most unpopular Congress should have had the foresight to recognize the impacts of their delayed decisions.

Source:

[1] Congressional Budget Office, in its May 2012 “Economic Effects of Reducing the Fiscal Restraint That Is Scheduled to Occur in 2013, retrieved from  http://www.cbo.gov/publication/43262

http://archives.starbulletin.com/content/20100328_Restore_Akaka_Bills_original_language

3. Hirono claimed: My opponent supports tax breaks for millionaires.

Facts:  Hirono continues to avoid a serious issue with simplistic and misleading sound bites.  Governor Lingle supports lowering the tax rates across the board for all taxpayers, while ensuring a fair and transparent tax system that raises sufficient revenues for government. [1]

Unlike her opponent, Governor Lingle’s thoughtful review of these critical economic issues has earned her the endorsements of key business organizations here at home, including the Hawaii Restaurant Association and the Association of Builders and Contractors, as well as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that represents more than 3 million businesses nationwide. The small businesses that form the membership rolls of these organizations employ millions of Americans and they recognize the importance of electing leaders like Linda Lingle, who has a deep understanding of the issues and will give each issue the healthy analysis it deserves.

Source:

[1]  http://www.lingle2012.com/economic-reforms/

4. Hirono claimed: “My opponent is the co-chair of Governor Romney’s campaign.”

Facts: Governor Lingle is not the co-chair of Governor Romney’s campaign, despite Hirono’s repeated claims to the contrary. Governor Lingle joined other notable leaders in the Jewish American community – Democrats, Independents and Republicans alike – in being named as honorary chairman for the Jewish Americans for Romney Coalition.

Source: Jewish Americans for Romney Coalition. August 1, 2012.  http://www.mittromney.com/blogs/mitts-view/2012/08/jewish-americans-romney-coalition

5. Hirono claimed: Governor Lingle has issued misleading attacks on Hirono’s voting record. Hirono tried to defend her voting record by challenging Governor Lingle’s assertion that Hirono’s rate of missed votes is twice that of her Congressional colleagues. 

Facts: From the very same source that Hirono cites in her television ad refuting Governor Lingle’s claim, the facts are clear: from January 2007 to September 2012, Hirono missed 257 of 5,081 recorded or roll call votes, which is 5.0%. This is worse than the median of 2.5%.

Source:  http://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/mazie_hirono/412200

6. Hirono claimed: The Iraq War caused the debt.

Facts: According to the independent Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the cost of the Iraq War was approximately $1.4 trillion.  This is a far cry from the $16 trillion national debt.  Hirono does not understand the magnitude and causes of the debt we are leaving to the next generation.  As Ed Case has said, the budget is merely an inconvenience for Mazie Hirono.

Sources:  http://www.cbo.gov/topics/national-security/iraq-and-afghanistan

7. Hirono claimed:  Governor Lingle failed to save Aloha Airlines.

Facts:  Two weeks after Aloha’s bankruptcy filing, Mazie Hirono testified before the U.S. Senate Hearing on Aloha Airline’s bankruptcy (Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, on April 10, 2008) and specifically pointed to “predatory pricing by a new competitor, high and rapidly increasing fuel prices and ups and downs of the local, national and international economy” as the causes of Aloha’s bankruptcy. [1]  Hirono’s claim that the closure of Aloha Airlines is Governor Lingle’s doing, is factually inaccurate and reverses her previous statements.

Before the same committee, Aloha CEO David Banmiller strongly reiterated these causes of his airline’s bankruptcy, particularly “predatory pricing.”  These widely agreed-upon factors that caused the demise of Aloha Airlines were outside the control of any political leader.

Upon the filing of Aloha’s bankruptcy, Governor Lingle met with House Speaker Calvin Say, Senate President Colleen Hanabusa and other legislative leaders to discuss and review state government options.  The state’s leaders concluded that any rescue was not appropriate.

Aloha CEO David Banmiller himself said:  “We simply ran out of time to find a qualified buyer or secure continued financing.” [2] It would have been too late and foolhardy for the state to put “bailout” money at risk, even if it had the funds.

After the bankruptcy filing, it was Governor Lingle who flew to Washington, D.C. to convince the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation to guarantee the pensions of Aloha Airlines employees and retirees. Together with Hawaii’s Congressional Delegation, they effectively saved the pensions of at least 4,000 Aloha Airlines employees and retirees [3], earning the gratitude of Aloha Airlines’ CEO who at the time said:

“We are especially grateful to Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle and her administration, U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. Executive Director Bradley D. Belt, Hawaii’s congressional delegation and other elected officials across the state and the country who have assisted us.” [4]

In the wake of the closure, her Administration’s main concerns were threefold: first and foremost, the more than 1,900 employees and their families, the need for continued air service for our residents and visitors, and the protection of the state’s long-term fiscal and economic interests.[5]

To respond to these concerns, Governor Lingle’s Administration worked with the private sector and activated its multi-agency Rapid Response Team to assist employees on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and in Hilo and Kona on the Big Island. In the days following the closure, the Rapid Response Team, led by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, surveyed workers to evaluate their job skills and determined what type of job placement assistance might have been needed.

[1]  http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-110shrg74892/pdf/CHRG-110shrg74892.pdf

[2]  http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/03/31/alohaairlines

[3]  http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Apr/28/br/br09p.html (“The PBGC, created by the government in 1974 to insure the retirement plans of U.S. workers, said it took over pensions of 4,000 employees and retirees at Honolulu-based Aloha.”

[4] http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Aloha+Airlines+Emerges+With+Financial+Strength.-a0142215962

[5]  http://archives.starbulletin.com/2008/03/31/news/story01.html (1,900 of the approximately 3,500 employees received layoff notices immediately, and were the employees the Lingle Administration issued it’s Rapid Response Team to assist.)

8. Hirono claimed: Governor Lingle will vote with Republicans to repeal Obamacare.

Facts: Despite Hirono’s attempts to cast Governor Lingle in the role of a national Republican ideologue, Governor Lingle has repeatedly stated her support for parts of the Affordable Care Act, including provisions providing insurance to those with pre-existing conditions and college students, and medical and dental care for children.

Her concern, however, is for those parts that harm our healthcare system, such as the Independent Payment Advisory Boards that could slow access to medical procedures, as well as the estimated $716 billion Medicare cuts, and the punitive tax on innovative medical device manufacturers. She is also very troubled by the Act’s failure to address medical liability (lawsuit) reform.

Hirono is also trying to divert the public’s attention from her support of a $716-billion cut to the Medicare program that Medicare’s Chief Actuary Richard Foster says will jeopardize access to care because lower payments would drive some doctors and hospitals out of business [1].

The $716-billion cut to Medicare that Hirono supports includes cuts in reimbursements to doctors, hospitals, nursing services, hospice facilities and home health services, as well a $300-billion cut to the Medicare Advantage Program, upon which 43% of Hawaii’s seniors depend.

Finally, Governor Lingle is confident that by engaging in a meaningful and bipartisan policy discussion, the current law can address these issues and cost impacts. However, if it is a straight “repeal or not repeal” of the PPACA as-is without any changes, she would vote to repeal.

Source: [1] Washington Post;  http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/wp/2012/08/14/romneys-right-obamacare-cuts-medicare-by-716-billion-heres-how

9. Hirono claimed: Hirono says that she supports the President’s Jobs Bill, but she doesn’t acknowledge the costs associated with it.

Fact: According to the White House, the estimated cost of this Jobs Bill would be in excess of $440 billion. After the $800 billion, which the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus already spent, this additional stimulus will alone add another half-trillion to the nation’s $16 trillion debt.

A large portion of the Jobs Bill is based on “shovel-ready” infrastructure projects.  The problem, as ARRA demonstrated, is that there are too few of these projects. Further the $10 billion, which is slated to create a national infrastructure bank, will take years to be fully operational.

Harvard Economist Martin Feldstein, President Obama’s own appointee to Economic Recovery Advisory Board, said bill would cost $200,000 per job created. [1]  Various other Democrats, including Sen. Joe Manchin, also note that the bill is too costly to implement. [2]

Currently, American businesses are sitting on $3 trillion in cash that they are not investing or using to hire staff.  Instead of government spending money it does not have and will need to borrow, it should work on facilitating the private sector spending the $3 trillion it does have.

Sources:

[1]  Office of the White House Press Sec., “Fact Sheet on American Jobs Act”, October 4, 2011

[2]  New York Times, September 28, 2011; ABC News, October 2, 2011

10. Hirono claimed:  Her two signature ‘bipartisan’ accomplishments are working with Rep. Don Young (R-AK) and drafting the VISIT USA Bill.

Facts:  According to the Congressional Record, there is no ‘Hirono-Young Amendment’, as Hirono has conveniently renamed it in her press releases.[1] Moreover, Hirono voted against the very bill that the Young Amendment was attached to. [2]

Further, the fact is, Mazie Hirono introduced the VISIT USA Act on November 3, 2011, a full two weeks after Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the legislation in the Senate. Mazie’s bill was an exact copy of the Senate bill.  The bill is in committee and has resulted in all talk and no action.

Sources:

[1]  http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll074.xml

[2]  http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll147.xml

# # # #

Live Debate Fact Checks: October 16th, 2012

9:17 p.m. – Hirono says that she supports the President’s Jobs Bill, but she doesn’t recognize the costs association.

According to the White House, the estimated cost of this Jobs Bill would be in excess of $440 billion.  After the $800 billion, which the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus already spent, this additional stimulus will alone add another half-trillion to the nation’s $16 trillion debt.

A large portion of the Jobs Bill is based on “shovel-ready” infrastructure projects.  The problem, as ARRA demonstrated, is that there are too few of these projects. Further the $10 billion, which is slated to create a national infrastructure bank, will take years to be fully operational.

Harvard Economist Martin Feldstein, President Obama’s own appointee to Economic Recovery Advisory Board, said bill would cost $200,000 per job created. [1]  Various other Democrats, including Sen. Joe Manchin, also note that the bill is too costly to implement. [2]

Currently, American businesses are sitting on $3 trillion in cash that they are not investing or using to hire staff.  Instead of government spending money it does not have and will need to borrow, it should work on facilitating the private sector spending the $3 trillion it does have.

[1]  Office of the White House Press Sec., “Fact Sheet on American Jobs Act”, October 4, 2011

[2]  New York Times, September 28, 2011; ABC News, October 2, 2011

8:58 p.m. – “Ending Bush-era” Tax Cuts”.  “Taxing the rich” will not end our annual $1 trillion deficit and $16 trillion national debt.  According to IRS statistics, those making more than $1 million had a total adjusted gross income (AGI) of $240 billion in 2009 (latest year IRS has reported the figures).[1]  If government were to take these millionaires’ entire income (essentially tax them at 100%), it would raise $240 billion a year.  This would cover just 18.5% of the current $1.3 trillion deficit.

Looked at another way, the Bi-partisan Policy Center’s Deficit Reduction Commission (Domenici-Rivlin) citing the non-partisan Tax Policy Center: “Reducing deficits to manageable levels by the end of the decade [2% of GDP] though tax increases on the most well-to-do Americans would require raising the top two bracket rates to 86% and 91% (from the current 33% and 35% rates)”. [2]

[1] IRS, Statistics of Income Division, July 2011

[2] Restoring America’s Future, Page 14 – 15; http://www.scribd.com/doc/95163858/Restoring-America-s-Future

8:49 p.m. – Mazie Hirono’s claim that Governor Lingle failed to save Aloha Airlines is false.

In fact, two weeks after Aloha’s bankruptcy filing, Mazie Hirono testified before the U.S. Senate Hearing on Aloha Airline’s bankruptcy (Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, on April 10, 2008) and specifically pointed to “predatory pricing by a new competitor, high and rapidly increasing fuel prices and ups and downs of the local, national and international economy” as the causes of Aloha’s bankruptcy. [1]

Before the same committee, Aloha CEO David Banmiller strongly reiterated these causes of his airline’s bankruptcy, particularly “predatory pricing.”

These widely agreed-upon factors that caused the demise of Aloha Airlines were outside the control of any political leader.

Upon the filing of Aloha’s bankruptcy, Governor Lingle met with House Speaker Calvin Say, Senate President Colleen Hanabusa and other legislative leaders to discuss and review state government options.   The state’s leaders concluded that any rescue was not appropriate.

Aloha CEO David Banmiller himself said:  “We simply ran out of time to find a qualified buyer or secure continued financing.” [2] It would have been too late and foolhardy for the state to put “bailout” money at risk, even if it had the funds.

After the bankruptcy filing, it was Governor Lingle who flew to Washington, D.C. to convince the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation to guarantee the pensions of Aloha Airlines employees and retirees. Together with Hawaii’s Congressional Delegation, they effectively saved the pensions of at least 4,000 Aloha Airlines employees and retirees [3], earning the gratitude of Aloha Airlines’ CEO who at the time said:

“We are especially grateful to Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle and her administration, U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. Executive Director Bradley D. Belt, Hawaii’s congressional delegation and other elected officials across the state and the country who have assisted us.” [4]

In the wake of the closure, her Administration’s main concerns were threefold: first and foremost, the more than 1,900 employees and their families, the need for continued air service for our residents and visitors, and the protection of the state’s long-term fiscal and economic interests.[5]

To respond to these concerns, Governor Lingle’s Administration worked with the private sector and activated its multi-agency Rapid Response Team to assist employees on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and in Hilo and Kona on the Big Island. In the days following the closure, the Rapid Response Team, led by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, surveyed workers to evaluate their job skills and determined what type of job placement assistance might have been needed.

[1] http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-110shrg74892/pdf/CHRG-110shrg74892.pdf.

[2] http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/03/31/alohaairlines

[3] http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Apr/28/br/br09p.html (“The PBGC, created by the government in 1974 to insure the retirement plans of U.S. workers, said it took over pensions of 4,000 employees and retirees at Honolulu-based Aloha.”

[4]http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Aloha+Airlines+Emerges+With+Financial+Strength.-a0142215962

[5] http://archives.starbulletin.com/2008/03/31/news/story01.html (1,900 of the approximately 3,500 employees received layoff notices immediately, and were the employees the Lingle Administration issued its Rapid Response Team to assist.)

8:47 p.m. – The fact is no Hawaii governor can unilaterally furlough teachers or any Department of Education (DOE) employee, since they are under the Board of Education’s (BOE) jurisdiction. As a former Lt. Governor who was herself involved in a labor dispute with HSTA in 2002, Congresswoman Hirono knows this.

Time and again during the course of this campaign, Hirono has alleged that school furloughs were entirely the choice and responsibility of Governor Lingle. Independent Honolulu Magazine has debunked this false assertion, writing:

“The specific decision to cut that many instructional days was something worked out between the Department of Education and the Hawaii State Teachers Association . . . ‘In scheduling 17 furlough days that will shut down Hawaii’s public schools, the Department of Education and the Hawaii State Teachers Association agreed not to use any of the six available waiver and professional development days to offset the loss of instructional time or relieve parents of child-care worries.’

Hirono’s campaign conveniently leaves this fact out. But then, Hirono is endorsed by the HSTA, which may explain why her campaign’s memory of those days is so selective.” [1]

As an elected official sitting on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, Hirono did nothing to assist at the time.

Finally, Hirono’s newfound concern over furloughs is nothing but rhetoric as her former House colleague and our current Governor Neil Abercrombie has revived furloughs under the pseudonym “DLWOP” or “directed leave without pay.” And Hirono continues to do nothing in her official role as Hawaii’s Congresswoman to help address the current situation.

[1] http://www.lingle2012.com/honolulumagazine/

8:46 p.m. – From Governor Lingle: I firmly believe our nation needs to seek and develop domestic energy resources, from both traditional fossil and clean sources. However, we need to do so in a manner that addresses environmental concerns and
respects the wishes of the people in the states most impacted by the development.

I believe the track record of the Alaska pipeline has demonstrated that
with the proper planning, environmental sensitivity and implementation, it is possible to extract and transport domestic oil and gas resources without serious adverse impacts to tourism, fishing, wildlife migration, flora and fauna.

8:44 p.m. - Claim: Governor Lingle has issued misleading attacks on my record.

Fact: From Jan 2007 to Sep 2012, Hirono missed 257 of 5081 recorded or roll call votes, which is 5.0%. This is worse than the median of 2.5%.

Sources: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/mazie_hirono/412200

8:43 p.m. – According to Hirono’s own analysis, the costs of tax cuts for the wealthiest 2 percent amounted to approximately $830 billion.  According to the independent Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the cost of the Iraq War was approximately $1.4 trillion.  These costs are a far cry from the $16 trillion national debt.  Hirono does not understand the magnitude and causes of the debt we are leaving to the next generation.  As Ed Case has said, the budget is merely an inconvenience for Mazie Hirono.

Sources:

http://hirono.house.gov/issues/issue/?IssueID=57992

http://www.cbo.gov/topics/national-security/iraq-and-afghanistan

8:39 p.m. – Despite Hirono’s attempts to cast Gov. Lingle in the role of a national Republican ideologue, Governor Lingle has repeatedly stated her support for parts of the Affordable Care Act, including provisions providing insurance to those with pre-existing conditions and college students, and medical and dental care for children.

Her concern, however, is for those parts that harm our healthcare system, such as the Independent Payment Advisory Boards that could slow access to medical procedures, as well as the estimated $716 billion Medicare cuts, and the punitive tax on innovative medical device manufacturers. She is also very troubled by the Act’s failure to address medical liability (lawsuit) reform.

Finally, Governor Lingle is confident that by engaging in a meaningful and bipartisan policy discussion, the current law can address these issues and cost impacts. However, if it is a straight “repeal or not repeal” of the PPACA as-is without any changes, she would vote to repeal.

8:34 p.m. – If elected to serve as Hawaii’s next U.S. Senator, Governor Lingle will fight to protect Social Security and Medicare with the same focused commitment you witnessed from her as your Governor.

Governor Lingle knows that we must keep our promises to retirees and those approaching retirement. We must also protect this important program for future generations.

Governor Lingle draws her support from recommendations of two bipartisan deficit-reduction commissions, which recommend raising the amount of wages subject to payroll taxes. She would do this gradually over time to reach the 1983 level of covering 90% of all wages. Similar to previous Congressional action, Governor Lingle would consider a phased-in, one-year increase in the full-benefit age beginning in 2027.

Unlike Hirono, Governor Lingle is focused on improving America’s economy so that young people can start putting part of their salary away now into 401(k) and “Auto IRAs” for workers who do not have employer-provided retirement plans. “Auto IRAs” are a common-sense, bipartisan idea whose time has come.

8:30 p.m. – CLAIM: “She didn’t help” native Hawaiians when she voted against the Akaka Bill.

Facts:

Governor Lingle has never wavered in her strong support for federal  recognition for native Hawaiians and her support for the Akaka Bill.

“The Lingle Administration actively supported a bill that would set up a process of recognition first, followed by negotiations between the native Hawaiian governing entity, the State of Hawaii, and the United States. Once that was completed, it would be followed by the Native Hawaiian governing entity’s exercise of governmental powers and authorities.

“Amendments made to the bill in December 2009 without Governor Lingle’s knowledge turned that process around, and the bill in 2009 established that the Native Hawaiian governing entity would start with broad governmental powers and authorities, with negotiations to follow.

Both Honolulu newspapers (the Advertiser and the Star Bulletin) supported the Governor’s position. [1]

Ultimately, Governor Lingle, the Congressional delegation, and the White House were able to agree on language in 2010, but the bill was never brought to the floor for a vote.

[1] http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2009/Dec/23/ln/hawaii912230341.html

http://www.staradvertiser.com/editorials/20110403_Akaka_should_submit_bill_that_had_Lingles_support.html?id=119138964

http://archives.starbulletin.com/content/20100328_Restore_Akaka_Bills_original_language

8:24 p.m. – HIRONO CLAIMED: “My opponent is the co-chair of Governor Romney’s campaign.”

Fact: Governor Lingle joined other notable leaders in the Jewish American community – Democrats, Independents and Republicans alike – in being named as honorary chairman for the Jewish Americans for Romney Coalition. Governor Lingle is not the co-chair of Governor Romney’s campaign.

Source: Jewish Americans for Romney Coalition. August 1, 2012.http://www.mittromney.com/blogs/mitts-view/2012/08/jewish-americans-romney-coalition

8:22 p.m. – BRAC 

From Linda Lingle: I believe an issue which has not been given sufficient attention by candidates and media is the historic and future impact on national security and Hawaii’s economy by the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), which Hawaii narrowly escaped in 2005. We must help our military services through U.S. Pacific Command prepare for the next round of BRAC deliberations (scheduled for 2015).

I took a large role in writing and testifying in person to the previous BRAC Commission to save Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard from closing. It took a monumental combined effort between the private and public sectors to prepare the State’s testimony submitted to the BRAC Commission of 2005 which I signed. I have attached a copy of my testimony to this transmittal.

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard is the largest industrial employer in the State, with a work force of nearly 5,000 highly skilled and highly paid professionals. Despite the U.S. Pacific Command’s recommendation to keep the shipyard open for the U.S. Pacific Fleet, the BRAC Commission independently disregarded the impact to national security by considering the closure of Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. This potentially disastrous threat could happen again and we need to be ready.

The next BRAC review will occur in 2015, so Hawaii’s next U.S. Senator must provide the leadership needed for a successful community response that ensures these important jobs are protected.

Governor Lingle’s testimony to the BRAC: http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/dailypix/2005/Jul/18/Lingle-BRAC.pdf

8:18 p.m. – FISCAL CLIFF

From Governor Lingle: “Without question, I would have voted to support our men and women in uniform by voting for the 2011 Defense Appropriations bill.  I would also have voted for the Korean Free Trade agreement, which was supported by every other member of the Hawaii delegation except for Congresswoman Hirono. The act was also praised by President Obama upon adding his signature.  These two pieces of legislation are clearly in Hawaii’s best interest, impacting jobs for our residents, our broader economy and important ties with our neighbors in the Asia Pacific region.

Unlike Congresswoman Hirono, I wouldn’t have supported sequestration that would have included such steep and dangerous cuts to our military and our nation’s defense as Secretary Panetta has warned. Instead, I believe it is important to deal with the issues at hand, rather than kicking the can down the road as our current Congress has done too often. Our deficit spending must be reined in, and our nation’s looming debt must be addressed, but the sequestration is not the way to handle it. Congresswoman Hirono and others in history’s most unpopular Congress should have had the foresight to recognize the impacts of their delayed decisions.”

8:14 p.m. – ON SENATOR INOUYE

Whether Governor Lingle is elected or not, Republicans may gain a majority of the U.S. Senate, meaning Senator Inouye will lose his chairmanship of the Appropriations Committee. For decades, Senator Inouye and the late Republican Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska looked out for each other’s interests when one party or another was in the majority. Since Senator Stevens’ passing, Senator Inouye has had the advantage of sitting in the majority party.

If Hawaii’s delegation remains completely Democrat, then Hawaii does not have anyone in the majority party looking out for its interests. The fact is, it is in Hawaii’s best interest to have a “foot in both camps,” so that no matter which party is in control, Hawaii’s interests will be effectively advocated for in Washington, D.C. (1) While Senator Inouye may not gavel the committee to order, he would still be the ranking member. This statement is pure shibai.

Further, it is sad for Hirono to suggest that Hawaii’s senior Senator will be any less effective for the people of Hawaii, whether or not the balance of power changes in the Senate. Since he has been representing our state in the U.S. Senate, the majority has changed hands six times, four times in the last 20 years. No matter which party was in the majority, Senator Inouye always has been an effective advocate for Hawaii.

Source: (1) Inouye-Stevens bond crossed party lines, Derrick DePledge, Honolulu Star-Advertiser (http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/20100811_Inouye-Stevens_bond_crossed_party_lines.html?id=100418444).

8:10 p.m. – HIRONO SAYS SHE IS BIPARTISAN

The fact is U.S. Representative Don Young supports Linda Lingle for the U.S. Senate. [1]

There was no “Hirono-Young Amendment”.  The Amendment, according to the Congressional Record, was named the Young Amendment. [2] Furthermore, Hirono voted against the very bill that included the Young Amendment. [3]

Congresswoman Hirono votes with her party 96% of the time and continually attacks her Republican colleagues, [including Senator Roy Blunt, whom she says she works with]. Her actions and her words do not reflect a collaborative leader who can work with others, whose views may differ from her views.

Hirono’s record rather than her rhetoric is the true reflection of her intentions.  There’s nothing bipartisan about a candidate that votes with her party 96% of the time and has failed to pass a single bipartisan bill where she was the sponsor.

[1] http://www.lingle2012.com/2012/10/congressman-don-young-drops-hirono-endorses-linda-lingle-in-general-election/

[2] http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll074.xml

[3] http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d112:HZ00060

8:05 p.m. – Hirono continues to avoid a serious issue with simplistic and misleading sound bites.

Governor Lingle supports lowering the tax rates for all taxpayers, while ensuring a fair and transparent tax system that raises sufficient revenues for government.

Governor Linda Lingle has thought -through and clearly articulated her reasoning for opposing a tax increase on the so-called “top 2%” [or “millionaires tax”]:  Many small business owners and sole proprietorships report business income as personal income.  Governor Lingle has stated: “While people may want to call it a ‘millionaire’s tax,’ in fact, it’s a tax on small business.”

8:04 p.m. – Mazie Hirono is wrong on her repeated claims of a voucher system. Governor Lingle’s proposal does not involve a “voucher program.” Under Governor Lingle’s proposal, Medicare Choice, a beneficiary can select an insurance program, including traditional Medicare, from a health exchange and the federal government will make the payment directly to the selected insurance provider.  The current Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, which is available to members of Congress, including Mazie Hirono, and which is considered a “gold standard” of healthcare plans, is just such a program.

It is not a voucher program.  If this program is good enough for Mazie Hirono and members of Congress, it is good enough for our kupuna.

Source: Federal Employees Receive High Value Coverage through FEHBP, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (April 16, 2012) (available at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/r/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/08/06/National-Politics/Graphics/FEHBBlueppo.pdf).

# # # #

Oct. 16, 2012 — 12:04 p.m.

See below for previous fact checks and information on past joint-appearance debates between Gov. Linda Lingle and Congresswoman Mazie Hirono.

Tonight’s scheduled debate will air from 8-9 p.m. on KITV, and will also be streamed online at KITV.com. Please check back to this page throughout the debate for regular updates.

Follow the Lingle campaign on Twitter at @Lingle2012, and use the hashtags #Debate808 and #HISen to share your own thoughts.

You can also post your own thoughts about the debate on your Facebook page and our campaign page: Facebook.com/Lingle2012.

For immediate release: October 8, 2012

GOVERNOR LINGLE CLEAR DEBATE WINNER WITH INDEPENDENT, PROVEN RECORD

Hirono Light on Specifics Displaying Partisan Loyalties

HONOLULU – Former Governor and candidate for Hawaii’s open U.S. Senate seat, Linda Lingle, was the clear victor in the first of four scheduled televised debates before a statewide audience on KHON2 tonight.

“Tonight’s televised debate highlighted the clear choice in this important election. The voters of Hawaii saw again that Linda Lingle has a clear understanding of the important issues facing our state, and has a proven record of accomplishment as an effective, independent leader,” Campaign Manager Bob Lee said. “Conversely, Mazie Hirono repeatedly sidestepped the issues and displayed an astonishing lack of comprehension of the complex issues that Hawaii’s next U.S. Senator must be prepared to address. Mazie Hirono’s statements – which included very few specific solutions – point out she is unqualified to be a U.S. Senator.”

The U.S. Senate debate, which was sponsored by the AARP, focused primarily on the future of Social Security, Medicare and healthcare, but also included discussion on issues such as jobs and the economy and the federal budget. While Hirono talked in platitudes and partisan attacks, Governor Lingle laid out her specific plans for addressing these and other concerns that will impact the lives of the people of Hawaii in the near future.

Hirono Misleads Voters with Inaccurate Statements

Relying on national party talking points, Hirono’s debate performance was light on specifics and filled with inaccuracies and falsehoods.  Hirono attempted to mislead the people of Hawaii with statements that were factually inaccurate and patently false.  Hirono’s misleading and inaccurate statements have been detailed, fact-checked and sourced in the Debate Fact Check Addendum that follows.

1. Hirono claimed: Governor Lingle’s idea of competition as a means of preserving Medicare is a voucher system.

Fact: Mazie Hirono is wrong on her repeated claims of a voucher system. Governor Lingle’s proposal does not involve a “voucher program.”  A voucher program is where a beneficiary receives a payment (the “voucher”) from government and then fends for himself or herself.  Under Governor Lingle’s proposal, Medicare Choice, a beneficiary can select an insurance program, including traditional Medicare, from a health exchange and the federal government will make the payment directly to the selected insurance provider.  The current Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, which is available to members of Congress, including Mazie Hirono, and which is considered a “gold standard” of healthcare plans, is just such a program.  It is not a voucher program.  If this program is good enough for Mazie Hirono and members of Congress, it is good enough for our kupuna.

Source: Federal Employees Receive High Value Coverage through FEHBP, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (April 16, 2012) (available at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/r/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/08/06/National-Politics/Graphics/FEHBBlueppo.pdf).

2. Hirono claimed: She played a primary role in the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2007.

Fact: Hirono was one of 93 co-sponsors of the bill (H.R.2831), hardly a primary role.

Source: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:HR02831:@@@P

3. Hirono claimed: The $16 trillion debt we now owe as a nation was the result of the two wars and the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest 2 percent. 

Fact: According to Hirono’s own analysis, the costs of tax cuts for the wealthiest 2 percent amounted to approximately $830 billion.  According to the independent Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the cost of the Iraq War was approximately $1.4 trillion.  These costs are a far cry from the $16 trillion national debt.  Hirono does not understand the magnitude and causes of the debt we are leaving to the next generation.  As Ed Case has said, the budget is merely an inconvenience for Mazie Hirono.

Sources:

http://hirono.house.gov/issues/issue/?IssueID=57992

http://www.cbo.gov/topics/national-security/iraq-and-afghanistan

4. Hirono said, the”fiscal cliff, better known as sequestration.”

Fact: Hirono is wrong to say that the “fiscal cliff” is simply known as sequestration. The automatic cuts (sequestration) scheduled to take effect in January 2013 are only part of the fiscal cliff equation; the other parts are the expiration of tax cuts for all Americans, the alternative minimum tax (AMT) patch, the payroll tax cut, and other tax extenders which affect individual businesses, charitable giving, energy community development and disaster relief. For her to gloss over this subject shows that she does not understand the issue.

As the Congressional Budget Office states, “Under current law, the federal budget deficit will fall dramatically between 2012 and 2013 owing to scheduled increases in taxes and, to a lesser extent, scheduled reductions in spending-a development that some observers have referred to as a ‘fiscal cliff.’”

Source: http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/FiscalRestraint_0.pdf

5. Hirono claimed: So-called “big oil” companies receive “$4 billion a year” in tax benefits.

Fact: The independent Congressional Budget Office reports that all tax breaks and subsidies for fossil fuel (includes oil, gas and coal) amounted to $2.5 billion a year.

The cost for all tax breaks and subsidies in our federal tax code is $1.1 trillion a year.  Hirono cannot justify proposing to close the deficit by hanging her hat on something that amounts to about two-tenths of one percent of all tax benefits. Alone, this does nothing significant to reduce the deficit, ignores over 99% of all other tax subsidies, and demonstrates Hirono’s lack of knowledge on reducing the federal deficit and debt.

Source: http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/03-06-FuelsandEnergy_Brief.pdf

6. Hirono claimed: One solution to the federal deficit and debt problem is going after “waste and fraud” in Medicare which would save “$600 billion over 10 years.”

Fact: She bases this on a 2011 GAO report, which stated that in fiscal year 2010 Medicare and Medicaid made a total of over $48 billion in improper payments. Waste and fraud in Medicare should be eliminated.  But it is a fallacy to assume their elimination for one year and state the 10-year amount as hard savings that would help preserve Medicare.  Medicare benefits to our seniors would be at risk if they placed hope and reliance on this empty number.

Source: Improper Payments – Reported Medicare estimates and Key Remediation Strategies, U.S. Government Accountability Office (July 28, 2011) (available at: http://gao.gov/assets/130/126770.pdf).

7. Hirono claimed: She voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which resulted in $1.4 billion of stimulus funds that “kickstarted” the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative.

Fact: Hirono claims that the $1.4 billion in federal ARRA stimulus funds, including $100 million for energy programs, was the “jump start” for the Lingle Administration’s Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative.  The fact is that the State of Hawaii only received $47.38 million in federal stimulus funds for energy programs. Many of the programs of HCEI, which was launched in January 2008, were well underway before the stimulus funds were realized within the state in late 2009. Mazie Hirono continues to exaggerate her role and claim successes that are not her own.

Source: Federal Government’s Role in Stimulating Hawaii’s Economy. Testimony of Linda Lingle, Governor of the State of Hawaii, Before the United States Senate Appropriations Committee on The Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, on Monday, August 24, 2009, at the Hawaii State Capitol. Available online:  http://archives.hawaiireporter.com/story.aspx?13ebf451-420d-416c-89c3-eb015bdf6a4b

8. Hirono claimed: “My opponent is the co-chair of Governor Romney’s campaign.”

Fact: Governor Lingle joined other notable leaders in the Jewish American community – Democrats, Independents and Republicans alike – in being named as honorary chairman for the Jewish Americans for Romney Coalition. Governor Lingle is not the co-chair of Governor Romney’s campaign.

Source: Jewish Americans for Romney Coalition. August 1, 2012. http://www.mittromney.com/blogs/mitts-view/2012/08/jewish-americans-romney-coalition

9. Hirono claimed: “I was very successful in working with a lot of people to get earmarks”

Fact: Hirono depicts herself as “a doer,” citing her No. 1 ranking in the House for earmarks in 2010 as an example, but that’s more of the enigma.”According to Legistorm, only $10.4 million of the $341.4 million in earmarks credited to her from 2008 to 2010 were “solo” earmarks, while the big total was mostly amassed by co-sponsoring with other lawmakers – primarily the self-proclaimed earmark king Inouye, who was credited with $600.4 million in solo pork during that period.”

Source: http://www.staradvertiser.com/newspremium/20120718__The_heat_is_on_for_Hirono_famous_for_weak_finishes.html?c=n

The debate was the first of four statewide televised debates between Governor Lingle and Congresswoman Hirono. Three televised debates remain including October 16 on KITV News, October 18 on Island Insights (PBS Hawaii) and October 22 on Hawaii News Now.

Additional information on the Linda Lingle Senate Campaign is available at www.Lingle2012.com. Follow the campaign on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Lingle2012, on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/Lingle2012, on www.YouTube.com/Lingle2012, and for Oceanic Digital Cable subscribers, on LL12, channel 110 (1110 for high definition).

# # # #

For immediate release: September 6, 2012

MAZIE HIRONO MISLEADS VOTERS WITH TEN FALSEHOODS AND INACCURACIES IN FIRST TWO-CANDIDATE FORUM

HONOLULU – In the first of five scheduled forums and debates between Governor Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono, candidates for Hawaii’s open U.S. Senate seat, Hirono attempted to mislead the audience at the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii with at least 10 statements that were factually inaccurate and patently false.

“Today’s forum highlighted the clear choice presented in this important election. The voters of Hawaii learned again today that Linda Lingle has a clear understanding of the important issues facing our state, and has a proven record of accomplishment as an effective, independent leader. Conversely, Mazie Hirono provided an astonishing inability to comprehend the complex issues which challenge Hawaii and our country.  Mazie Hirono’s statements – which included very few specific solutions – point out she is either grossly uninformed or she is purposefully misleading the public,” said Campaign Manager Bob Lee.

Hirono’s errors included the following 10 inaccuracies, misstatements and falsehoods.

1. Hirono said, “We cannot go it alone, this is an interconnected world. When President Bush led us into war in Iraq, it was basically a unilateral decision.”

FACT: No U.S. President can ‘go it alone’ in any war. According to Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, the Congress has the enumerated power to declare war (1).

In 2002, the U.S. Congress authorized war in Iraq with 77% of the U.S. Senate voting yay and 68% of the U.S. House of Representatives (2). It was not a unilateral decision by President Bush.

Additionally, the United States of America had a large group of allies in the Iraq war. As of March 21, 2003, the allies included the following 31 countries: Afghanistan, Albania, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom and Uzbekistan. (3)

Sources:

(1) U.S. Constitution. http://www.usconstitution.net/xconst_A1Sec8.html

(2) Senate: http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=107&session=2&vote=00237; House: http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/roll757.xml

(3) The Coalition of the Willing,  Ethics of Development, Jesse Lorenz. Available at: http://www.stanford.edu/class/e297a/The%20Coalition%20of%20the%20Willing.htm

2. Hirono said, “When my opponent said that she balanced the budget, it was thanks to $1.4 billion in federal recovery money…”

FACT: Hirono’s claim that Governor Lingle balanced the Hawaii state budget with $1.4 billion in federal “ARRA” stimulus funds is simply not true. The magnitude of the Hawaii state budget revenue shortfall was $3 billion, and was the result of the most rapid decline in state budget revenues in Hawaii’s history. (1)

Although the state was allocated $1.4 billion in ARRA funding, a significant portion of this funding was earmarked for specific purposes and could not be used by Hawaii or any other state to balance their budgets. At least half of this $1.4 billion allocation was funding earmarked directly to the counties or for “shovel-ready” projects in transportation and energy.  This earmarked funding could not be used to balance states’ budgets, as claimed by Mazie Hirono.

The Lingle administration was able to effectively apply the non-earmarked portions, including $320 million in Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) and $157 million State Fiscal Stabilization funding, of the ARRA federal funds to supplement state general funding in education and social services.  That amount did not cover Hawaii’s $3 billion budget shortfall. (2 & 3)

Sources:

(1) Stimulating Hawaii’s Economy: Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Hearing before the committee on appropriations, U.S. Senate (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-111shrg52739/html/CHRG-111shrg52739.htm).

(2) Governor Lingle unveils plan to close revenue shortfall, March 4, 2009; Retrieved from: http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/dailypix/2009/Mar/04/lingle.pdf

(3) Looking back, Looking Forward. http://thelingleyears.wordpress.com/education/

3. Hirono said “Don Young… and I got together to fight our own caucuses to save funding for Native Hawaiian and Alaskan education grants.”

FACT: Hirono has repeatedly referred to the “Hirono-Young Amendment.” The Amendment, according to the Congressional Record, was named the Young Amendment, not the Hirono-Young Amendment (1). Furthermore, Hirono voted against the very bill to which the Young Amendment was attached (2).

Congresswoman Hirono votes with her party 96% of the time. Her actions and her words do not reflect a collaborative leader who can work with others, whose views may differ from her views (3).

Sources:

(1) http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll074.xml

(2) http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d112:HZ00060

(3) http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/H001042

4. Hirono said, “My opponent is the chair of the Romney-Ryan ticket.”

FACT: Governor Lingle joined other notable leaders in the Jewish American community – Democrats, Independents and Republicans alike – in being named as honorary chairman for the Jewish Americans for Romney Coalition. Governor Lingle is not co-chairing Governor Romney’s campaign. (1)

Source:

(1) Jewish Americans for Romney Coalition. August 1, 2012. http://www.mittromney.com/blogs/mitts-view/2012/08/jewish-americans-romney-coalition

5. Hirono said, “the sequestration is not the way to do it” when referring to the nation’s deficit and debt challenges.

FACT: Mazie Hirono stated her strategy for growing our nation’s economy included eliminating the “sequestration” (the automatic tax increases and budget cuts scheduled to be effective in January 2012).

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, in its May 2012 “Economic Effects of Reducing the Fiscal Restraint That Is Scheduled to Occur in 2013” report to Congress, warned that eliminating the “sequestration” without imposing other comparable measures of fiscal restraint would reduce our nation’s output and income and lead to national debt levels that would be dangerous. (1)

Mazie Hirono needs to provide specifics on how she would reduce the additional deficit and debt that would result from eliminating the sequestration.  Without a specific plan to tackle our mounting deficit and debt, Mazie Hirono would be endangering our economy and the well-being of Hawaii’s families.

Source:

(1) Congressional Budget Office, in its May 2012 “Economic Effects of Reducing the Fiscal Restraint That Is Scheduled to Occur in 2013, retrieved from http://www.cbo.gov/publication/43262

6. Hirono said, “If the Republicans take control of the U.S. Senate, Senator Inouye will lose his chairmanship.”

FACT: Whether Governor Lingle is elected or not, Republicans may gain a majority of the U.S. Senate, meaning Senator Inouye will lose his chairmanship of the Appropriations Committee. For decades, Senator Inouye and the late Republican Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska looked out for each other’s interests when one party or another was in the majority. Since Senator Stevens’ passing, Senator Inouye has had the advantage of sitting in the majority party.

If Hawaii’s delegation remains completely Democrat, then Hawaii does not have anyone in the majority party looking out for its interests. The fact is, it is in Hawaii’s best interest to have a “foot in both camps,” so that no matter which party is in control, Hawaii’s interests will be effectively advocated for in Washington, D.C. (1) While Senator Inoyue may not gavel the committee to order, he would still be the ranking member. This statement is pure shibai.

Source:

(1) Inouye-Stevens bond crossed party lines, Derrick DePledge, Honolulu Star-Advertiser (http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/20100811_Inouye-Stevens_bond_crossed_party_lines.html?id=100418444).

7. Hirono said “My opponent [said] there should be a special committee in the Senate to focus on tourism. There already is such a committee and the ranking member is Roy Blunt, someone I have worked with in the past and I look forward to working with again.”

FACT: There is no sub-committee in the U.S. Senate which is focused on tourism. There is a bipartisan Senate Tourism Caucus (1).

Mazie Hirono and her U.S. Senate campaign staff members have previously called U.S. Senator Roy Blunt a “right-wing extremist” (2).

Sources:

(1) http://www.kirk.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=490

(2) Emails from Betsy Lin, campaign manager, March 6, 2012 and May 10, 2012. Also reported by Honolulu Civil Beat, http://hawaii.politics.government.blogs.civilbeat.com/post/18876570337/hirono-jabs-lingle-over-blunt-amendment

8. Hirono said we should “end tax breaks for richest 2%” to solve the nation’s deficit and debt crisis.

FACT: According to the IRS, U.S. residents making $1 million or more annually had a total adjusted gross income of $240 billion in 2009. If government were to take these millionaires’ entire income – effectively taxing them at 100% – it would raise $240 billion a year. That would cover just 18.5% of the current $1.3 trillion deficit. (1)

Source:

(1) IRS, Statistics of Income Division, July 2011

9. Hirono said “It’s easy to wave your hand at Fannie Mae for our melt down, but the fact of the matter is that it was Wall Street and the excesses of Wall Street that led our country to the brink of economic chaos.”

FACT: In January 2009, the Congressional Research Service issued a report outlining the causes of the financial crisis. The report found that among the major causes of the financial crisis, was “Government-Mandated Subprime Lending”: “Federal mandates to help low-income borrowers (e.g., the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s affordable housing goals) forced banks to engage in imprudent mortgage lending.” (1)

President Clinton has also called for tightening controls on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac stating, “responsibility the Democrats have may rest more in resisting any efforts by Republicans in the Congress or by me when I was President to put some standards and tighten up a little on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.” (2)

Sources:

(1) Causes of the Financial Crisis, Congressional Research Service (2009) (http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/R40173_20090129.pdf).

(2) ABC News interview with Chris Cuomo. Retrieved from http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2008/09/25/fox-news-blames-democrats-financial-crisis-bill-clinton-agrees#ixzz25ji4kcdR

10. Hirono said “I also have a bipartisan bill, called the VISIT USA bill… that is supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce…”

FACT: Mazie Hirono has constantly referred to her advocacy of visa waivers and her sponsorship of the VISIT USA Act, implying that it was an original idea she proposed.  Fact is that on November 3, 2011, two weeks after Senators Schumer and Mike Lee first introduced the legislation in the U.S. Senate, Mazie Hirono copied the bill and introduced it in the U.S. House.  Thus far, the bill is in committee and has resulted in no action.(1)

Despite Mazie Hirono’s touting of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s support for the VISIT USA bill, she has frequently called the nation’s largest organization of businesses a “right-wing mainland interest” (2).

Sources:

(1) Library of Congress. http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d112:1:./temp/~bdB5Kz::|/home/LegislativeData.php|   Hirono is the sponsor; 10 House co-sponsors.

(2) U.S. Senate Campaign email from Mazie Hirono, June 25, 2012

——–

Additional information on the Linda Lingle Senate campaign is available at www.Lingle2012.com. Follow the campaign on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Lingle2012, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Lingle2012, and on YouTube at www.YouTube.com/Lingle2012.

# # # #

They said it: “The decision about which candidate should fill this Senate seat – being vacated by long time senator Daniel Akaka – is not to be taken lightly. It is one of the most powerful positions in Hawaii, and it requires a serious, battle tested candidate. That candidate is former Governor Linda Lingle, a Republican.

[. . .]

During her eight years in office, Lingle demonstrated her ability to work with both sides of the aisle. She is a moderate who will do what’s right for Hawaii.” – Hawaii Tribune Herald [1]

Aloha friends,

It’s Aloha Monday!

I hope you had a great weekend. We are focused on tonight’s live televised debate between Gov. Linda Lingle and Rep. Mazie Hirono. It will be the final chance for voters to see the two candidates side-by-side. Folks, we need your help to get as many people as possible watching, talking, posting, Tweeting, and emailing about this debate.

Momentum has definitely swung in our favor with these debates, and we are hoping this last one will be that final push to see us through to Election Day victory. That’s why it’s crucial that the undecideds, the independents, the people who are just now tuning in to this election, become aware of where the candidates stand on the issues, and see clearly how Linda Lingle has command of the issues, the strength of character, and the proven record of success that we need from our next U.S. Senator.

The debate will be televised live on HawaiiNewsNow from 7-8 p.m. Use hashtag #HISen or #HNNDebate on Twitter, and be sure to share your thoughts on your own Facebook wall and ours, about how you feel the debate is going.

Also, check on our website for a constantly updated page of fact checks!

We need energetic sign wavers to come out in full force on Monday afternoon from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. We will be at the intersection of Waiakamilo Road and Nimitz Hwy.

After sign waving, everyone is welcome to watch the debate from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Lingle HQ while enjoying some food, refreshments and camaraderie.

Should you have any questions, please call our volunteer line, 808/729-6140, or, Colleen LaClair @ 781-1200, or email Grassroots@Lingle2012.com.

Whether or not you can make the sign waving, please join us at the Lingle HQ at 1505 Dillingham Blvd. immediately after sign waving for dinner and to watch the debate on TV.

Have a great day. IMUA!

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Hawaii Tribune Herald Endorses Linda Lingle for U.S. Senate

October 21, 2012

The decision about which candidate should fill this Senate seat – being vacated by long time senator Daniel Akaka – is not to be taken lightly. It is one of the most powerful positions in Hawaii, and it requires a serious, battle tested candidate. That candidate is former Governor Linda Lingle, a Republican.

Representative Mazie Hirono, a Democrat, has attempted to portray Lingle as a rubber stamp for the GOP’s national agenda. We don’t buy it.

During her eight years in office, Lingle demonstrated her ability to work with both sides of the aisle. She is a moderate who will do what’s right for Hawaii.

The Tribune Herald endorses Lingle.

Why the State Needs  Lingle

August 16, 2012

It is amusing to see commercials on television saying that former Gov. Linda Lingle will be a pawn of Republican leaders if she is elected to the United States Senate.

Lingle is the most independent politician we’ve ever run into. She certainly hasn’t had a lot of practice being beholden to the GOP here because one could make a fairly strong argument that there isn’t a Republican Party in Hawaii.

There’s the Democrats and, well, Lingle. Oh, sure, we have a token Republican in the state Senate and a few in the state House, but they are just there for window dressing – they have no power. Maui’s lone GOP state House member is there because his Democratic opponent in the last election had an error in judgment and backed a friend who was charged with a sexual indiscretion.

Oh, sure, you’ll see your occasional Charles Djou and Duke Aiona on television, but nobody gives them the key to the car. They let Djou take the U.S. District 1 House seat for a spin in the special election when Neil Abercrombie resigned, but it was a fluke. His two Democratic opponents split that party’s vote and let Djou go to Washington for a few months.

No, Lingle is the only Republican who is taken seriously statewide. And it is because she is so independent, so hard to button hole. Oh, and did we forget to mention, forthright. Lingle actually tells people what she is thinking.

We didn’t agree with everything Lingle did as governor. But she never promised one thing and did another.

The former governor says she wants to go to Washington to work across party lines to find solutions to the country’s big problems. She also wants to fight for Hawaii – make it easier for resident of the Far East to vacation in our islands, for instance.

As we’ve expressed previously, we think her opponent is too ideologically rigid to make the bipartisan compromises necessary to correct the country’s debt and deficit problems. Lingle will put country first and work with anyone – no matter the party – to find the big solutions.

There’s a reason Lingle has been successful. Put succinctly, it is because she is smart, moderate and honest. She is just what Hawaii needs in our next United States senator.

Lingle hits bill’s possible isle impact

Hirono’s measure would use visas to urge Chinese to buy U.S. houses
By Derrick DePledge

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Oct 21, 2012

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono’s bill that would allow the Chinese to apply for five-year multiple entry visitor visas to the United States has won bipartisan support as a potential boon for tourism.

But former Gov. Linda Lingle, Hirono’s opponent for U.S. Senate, has flagged a lesser-known provision of the bill that she says could have negative consequences for Hawaii.

Chinese and other foreign investors who spend at least $500,000 in cash to purchase one or more homes in the United States would be eligible for new three-year residential visas that could be renewed. The homebuyers, who would also be able to bring their spouses and children into the country, would have to live at a residence worth at least $250,000 for 180 days out of the year and would be unable to work in the United States.

The intent behind the provision is to provide an incentive for foreign investors to buy homes in markets on the mainland with a glut of housing after the financial turmoil of the recession.

In Hawaii, however, where the housing supply is low, and high prices have kept homeownership out of reach for many middle-class families, incentives for foreign investors who have the resources to pay cash up front could drive up prices.

“That’s going to create tremendous pressure here in Hawaii on housing prices,” Lingle, a Republican, said Thursday in a debate with Hirono, a Democrat. “It’s a very bad aspect of that bill that hasn’t been talked about yet.”

The median price for previously owned single-family homes on Oahu was $637,000 in September, according to the Honolulu Board of Realtors, while the median selling price for a condominium was $319,500.

Read the rest of the story here.

As the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported today, Rep. Mazie Hirono’s bill that would allow the Chinese to apply for residential visas to the United States if they purchase a residential property for at least $500,000, may be good for the mainland, but “[i]n Hawaii, however, where the housing supply is low, and high prices have kept homeownership out of reach for many middle-class families, incentives for foreign investors who have the resources to pay cash up front could drive up prices.” [1]

With this new incentive for foreigners, Hawaii would see further sharp increases in housing prices, making it even more unaffordable for local families who are struggling to find a home in one of the most expensive housing markets in the nation. [2]

Aloha friends,

Good morning and welcome to Sunday!

We had a terrific turnout on the Big Island yesterday for our dinner and rally with Linda Lingle at the Kona Headquarters! We’ll have pictures up on our Facebook soon, so be sure to check them out. It’s another sign of the strength and enthusiasm all across the state for Linda Lingle and her common-sense solutions, bipartisanship, and willingness to put Hawaii’s people first.

I wanted to get some more information out about why Mazie Hirono is such a risky choice for Hawaii.

Mazie Hirono introduced a bill earlier this year in Congress that will drive up Hawaii housing prices and reduce the number of houses available for local families.

Hirono’s VISIT USA Bill would provide U.S. residential visas for foreigners buying a residential property worth at least $500,000 in the United States. For Hawaii, historically already a target for “second home” investments, this would add more incentive to foreigners to buy houses priced for younger and middle-income families.

I don’t know if Congresswoman Hirono knew this provision was in her bill or not, but she should have known.

With this new incentive for foreigners, Hawaii would see further sharp increases in housing prices, making it even more unaffordable for local families who are struggling to find a home in one of the most expensive housing markets in the nation. This could be a repeat of the foreign residential home buying spree, which took place in Hawaii in the 1980s that put homeownership out of the reach of many local families.

The VISIT USA Bill may mean more foreign visitors to Hawaii. However, I question Hirono’s judgment of including an additional incentive for foreign buyers to compete with and price our local middle-income families out of housing.

Help me get this information out by sharing it with your friend and family.

Have a great Sunday, and until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

HIRONO’S SIGNATURE LEGISLATION WILL DRIVE UP COSTS OF HAWAII HOUSING

HONOLULU – Mazie Hirono introduced a bill earlier this year in Congress that will drive up Hawaii housing prices and reduce the number of houses available for local families, according to Linda Lingle for Senate Campaign Manager Bob Lee.

Hirono’s VISIT USA Bill would provide U.S. residential visas for foreigners buying a residential property worth at least $500,000 in the United States.  For Hawaii, historically already a target for “second home” investments, this would add more incentive to foreigners to buy houses priced for younger and middle-income families.

“I don’t know if Congresswoman Hirono knew this provision was in her bill or not, but she should have known,” Lee added.

With this new incentive for foreigners, Hawaii would see further sharp increases in housing prices, making it even more unaffordable for local families who are struggling to find a home in one of the most expensive housing markets in the nation. [1] This could be a repeat of the foreign residential home buying spree, which took place in Hawaii in the 1980s that put homeownership out of the reach of many local families.

“The VISIT USA Bill may mean more foreign visitors to Hawaii.  However, I question Hirono’s judgment of including an additional incentive for foreign buyers to compete with and price our local middle-income families out of housing,” Lee said.

SOURCE:

[1] Homeownership Markets, First Quarter 2012, Center for Housing Policy (available at: http://www.nhc.org/chp/p2p/).

By voting for the Budget Control Act, which has lead to automatic cuts (sequestration), Hirono again demonstrates that she has no plan to realistically address our nation’s debt.

Our deficit spending must be reined in, and our nation’s looming debt must be addressed, but the sequestration is not the way to handle it. Congresswoman Hirono and others in history’s most unpopular Congress should have had the foresight to recognize the impacts of their delayed decisions on our national security, as Defense Secretary Leon Panetta recently warned, “in the absence of action, sequestration could very well threaten the programs critical to our nation’s security.” [1]

Aloha friends,

Good morning and welcome to your Saturday!

We’ve got a busy day ahead today and I hope you will be able to join us – either here on Oahu, or later today on the Big Island!

This morning I will be helping host a Veterans Rally for Linda Lingle. Join Gov. Lingle, myself and the rest of the Team Lingle campaign and Grassroots supporters at the Oahu Veterans Center today, from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

We will have free ono food, entertainment, and a chance to visit with and talk story with Hawaii’s next U.S. Senator: Linda Lingle.

Gov. Lingle has always been a friend to Hawaii’s military, recognizing the critical role our servicemen and women play in defending our national security and protecting our freedoms. This will be an opportunity for Team Lingle to also show appreciation to our veterans for the sacrifices they and their families have made.

For more information, call Headquarters: (808) 777-8845, or email Grassroots@Lingle2012.com.

And then later today, come join Linda Lingle and her campaign team at our Kona Campaign HQ for a blow-out rally to cheer on Linda Lingle to become our next U.S. Senator!

Voters from all over West Hawaii will be gathering, so this is an event you will not want to miss! We’ll have free ono food and entertainment!

We will hold it from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Have a great day, and hope to see you out!

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Aloha friends,

Happy Aloha Friday!

And what a terrific outpouring of support, energy and enthusiasm we’ve seen immediately following the latest debate between Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono. More and more people, as they see these two candidates side by side, are reaching the same conclusion: Linda Lingle is the clear choice with a focused understanding of the critical issues we face, and she has the proven record of bipartisan success to back up her innovative ideas. And Mazie Hirono is just too risky for Hawaii: she’s ineffective, lacks any real record to stand on, doesn’t work well with others, and will only add to the problem of partisan gridlock that currently exists in D.C.

Did you miss the debate? If so, you can watch it on PBS Hawaii’s website by clicking here.

Governor Linda Lingle clearly articulated the challenges facing our state and nation as well as presented her detailed and specific plan for restoring confidence in Hawaii and our nation’s future. In stark contrast, Congresswoman Mazie Hirono avoided specifics and instead relied on vague themes, a bleak legislative record and national party sound bites to prop up her candidacy.

Please help us get the word out. Share the link above with your friends, Tweet it out, or post to your Facebook wall. We need to let people know how important this election is and how crucial it is we elect Linda Lingle to we can get this country moving forward again.

Enjoy your day and until next time,

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

In the third televised U.S. Senate debate of the General Election, Governor Linda Lingle clearly articulated the challenges facing our state and nation as well as presented her detailed and specific plan for restoring confidence in Hawaii and our nation’s future. In stark contrast, Congresswoman Mazie Hirono avoided specifics and instead relied on vague themes, a bleak legislative record and national party sound bites to prop up her candidacy. [1]

They said it: “Bipartisanship leadership is what is lacking in the U.S. Senate and is what has brought our country to the edge of a fiscal cliff. Now more than ever Hawaii needs a real bipartisan leader to provide common sense governance to Washington, D.C.,” said Rep. Don Young (AK) in dropping his Primary Election of Hirono and endorsing Governor Linda Lingle for the General Election. [1]

Aloha friends,

We are now 19 days away from Election Day. We need your help each and every day, now more than ever. You may think you are unable to do it, but how can we afford not to? Not only do we have a terrific opportunity to elect someone of Linda Lingle’s caliber, but the risk of someone like Mazie Hirono, who is ineffective and doesn’t work well with others, is too great to ignore.

Tonight is the third televised debate, this time on PBS Hawaii’s Island Insights show, moderated by Dan Boylan, from 8-9 p.m. Tell every single one of your friends to tune in! Our latest polling shows this race is a dead heat, but if enough people continue to see Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono side by side, they will realize what a strong candidate we have in Gov. Lingle and what a poor choice it would be to send Mazie Hirono back to Washington.

Enjoy your day and until next time,

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Aloha friends,

In her second televised debate of the General Election, Governor Lingle gave a decisive performance in tonight’s debate with her opponent!  Governor presented a clear plan, while Mazie Hirono relied solely on national party talking points.

While Governor Lingle was leading the charge at KITV, our team was busy correcting the record on no less than ten misleading or false statements Mazie Hirono made throughout the debate.

With Governor Lingle leading the way, we are all excited to move forward with the final 20 days of the campaign. Mahalo for all of your continued support and now is when we need to further mobilize our efforts. Get involved today by calling the headquarters on your island.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Aloha friends,

Tonight, Governor Linda Lingle will appear on television sets across our state in the second televised debate against her opponent Congresswoman Mazie Hirono. In their first televised debate for Hawaii’s open U.S. Senate seat, Governor Lingle was poised and clear in presenting her specific plan for creating jobs, ending partisan gridlock, and moving our nation forward.

Join our Oahu ‘ohana as we watch the KITV debate together with food and friends. Come down to our Oahu Victory Center at 1505 Dillingham Blvd. from 7:30-9:30 p.m. tomorrow evening.

Please RSVP by clicking here or by calling 777-8845 so we can make sure we have enough seats, ono food and beverages for everyone.

We need your help before the event with sign waving! From 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. we will meet at the Neal Blaisdell Center Corner of King St. & Ward Ave.  (Contact Colleen LaClair, 781-1200).  And of course after we sign wave, please come back with us to our campaign HQ for dinner and to watch the debate on TV.

Spread the word and tell your friends. This is must-see TV, for this election and for our future!

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Hirono’s completely false claim that seniors will pay as much as $6,400 more in Medicare costs under a premium support plan, was debunked more than a year ago by a well-known, non-partisan organization, which said:

“we’ve been debunking these claims about Ryan’s plan since 2011, and Democrats continue to criticize the old plan more so than the current one. The Romney-Ryan plan would leave Medicare unchanged for current beneficiaries, and for those age 55 or older.” [1]

‘Fiscal cliff’ has Lingle taking issue with Hirono

When President Barack Obama and Congress agreed on the Budget Control Act, the law was described as a bipartisan compromise that averted the looming disaster of a government default.

The agreement, signed by the president in August 2011, authorized an increase to the federal debt limit and ended a stalemate that threatened the nation’s borrowing ability. The law placed caps on discretionary spending for federal programs to save more than $900 billion over a decade. It directed Congress and the White House to either agree to another $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction or have the reduction imposed through automatic across-the-board cuts to defense and other federal programs starting in January 2013.

The automatic cuts, known as sequestration, were intended as an impetus for compromise and were never expected to take effect. But Congress and the White House have been unable to agree on a deficit reduction package — and $109 billion in cuts are scheduled for January — so the Budget Control Act has become an issue in the November elections.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, a Demo­crat campaigning for U.S. Senate, voted for the law because she thought it would stabilize the nation’s fiscal situation and avoid plunging the economy into a double-dip recession. Former Gov. Linda Lingle, the Republican candidate, said she would have voted against the law because of the potential for “dangerous cuts” to the military and other federal spending that could harm Hawaii’s economy.

Hawaii was fourth among states in per capita federal spending in 2011 — at more than $21 billion, according to the federal Office of Management and Budget — and could be particularly vulnerable to automatic cuts because of the state’s large military presence. A study released in July by an analyst at George Mason University in Virginia estimated that sequestration could cost Hawaii more than 10,000 jobs, mostly in defense.

Hirono said the Budget Control Act was “a difficult and imperfect compromise.”

“I do not have second thoughts about helping the American people avoid a double-dip recession, nor do I ever have second thoughts about protecting Social Security and Medicare for our kupuna,” Hirono said in a statement.

“There is no greater moment for leadership than now. That’s why I’m focused on the future and working so hard to make sure that the U.S. Senate remains Demo­cratic, and that President Obama gets re-elected. We all recognize that we need a big, bipartisan agreement to address our deficit and debt — while also recognizing that without strong voices fighting for the middle class, we’ll be sending our country backward, not forward.”

Hirono called the automatic cuts “a meat ax approach to deficit reduction” that should be avoided.

Lingle said Hirono and others in Congress should have had the foresight to recognize the potential impact of the law. She cited Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta’s warning to Congress that automatic cuts to the military could threaten national security.

“Unlike Congresswoman Hirono, I wouldn’t have supported sequestration that would have included such steep and dangerous cuts to our military and our nation’s defense as Secretary Panetta has warned,” the former governor said in a statement. “Instead, I believe it is important to deal with the issues at hand, rather than kicking the can down the road as our current Congress has done too often. Our deficit spending must be reined in, and our nation’s looming debt must be addressed, but the sequestration is not the way to handle it.

“Congresswoman Hirono and others in history’s most unpopular Congress should have had the foresight to recognize the impacts of their delayed decisions.”

The Budget Control Act was approved by the Republican-controlled House in a 269-161 vote. Republicans overwhelmingly favored the law, while Demo­crats were divided. Hirono and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hana­busa, D-Hawaii, voted with the majority.

U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., chairman of the House Budget Committee and the GOP’s vice presidential candidate, at the time called the law a bipartisan compromise that reflected a “huge cultural change to this institution.”

The Democratic-controlled Senate approved the law 74-26. U.S. Sens. Daniel Ino­uye and Daniel Akaka — Hawaii Demo­crats — voted with the majority.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the GOP presidential candidate, contends that the automatic cuts in the law were a mistake and has blamed Obama for insisting that half of the reductions come from defense. Ryan has said the defense cuts were never supposed to occur and has noted that House Republicans have since tried to prevent the cuts by taking the money from other federal programs.

Obama’s Office of Management and Budget has characterized the automatic cuts as a “blunt and indiscriminate instrument” that should be averted before January.

The automatic federal spending cuts are scheduled to take effect at the same time that more than $500 billion in federal tax cuts are set to end. Tax breaks approved under President George W. Bush and a temporary payroll tax cut in Social Security adopted under Obama are scheduled to expire at the end of the year.

Economists and budget analysts have described the scenario as a “fiscal cliff” that, if allowed to happen, could lead to another recession.

For Immediate Release: October 15, 2012

HONOLULU – Alaska Congressman Don Young, who endorsed Mazie Hirono in the Democrat primary, is now endorsing Governor Linda Lingle, for Hawaii’s open U.S. Senate seat.

Along with Senator Lisa Murkowski and other important Alaskan leaders, Representative Young has endorsed Governor Lingle for Hawaii’s open U.S. Senate seat. “I’m honored to have the support of Rep. Young and Sen. Murkowski,” Lingle said.

“Governor Lingle has the leadership and the bipartisan record to make an immediate positive impact for the people Hawaii, Alaska and our nation. Bipartisan leadership is what is lacking in the U.S. Senate and is what has brought our country to the edge of a fiscal cliff. Now more than ever Hawaii needs a real bipartisan leader to provide common sense governance to Washington, D.C.,” said Rep. Young in a letter to supporters in Alaska.

Senator Murkowski, who is in Hawaii campaigning for Governor Lingle, commented on Governor Lingle’s leadership at an event last night:

“Senator Inouye and Governor Lingle will make a great team. There is no reason why they would not be able to effectively move Hawaii forward, working with the Alaska delegation,” said Senator Murkowski. “Being able to build on the strength of the Alaska-Hawaii partnership is critically important to both states.”

“I’m honored to have the support of Rep. Young and Senator Murkowski, and other important Alaskan leaders. “Our state’s position will be strengthened by having a balanced delegation with a foot in both camps so no matter which political party has a majority Hawaii will be represented in the majority. I look forward to continuing the work done by Senator Inouye and the late Alaska Senator Ted Stevens,” said Governor Lingle.

“Advancing the priorities of native Hawaiians and native Alaskans is a commitment I will continue to honor if elected to represent the people of Hawaii in the U.S. Senate,” Lingle concluded.

# # # #

Aloha friends,

Happy Aloha Monday.

It’s the start of a new day, a new work week, and just 22 days until Election Day. Yes, that’s right. Three weeks from tomorrow, voters will turn out to stand up for the direction in which they want this country to proceed.

They are faced with a choice. Turning to the same, tired, bitterly gridlocked partisan leaders who have left our country stuck in neutral, incapable of helping lift us past these challenges we face. Or making a change. Voting against the people who have contributed to a Congress with a 10% approval rating, and selecting leaders like Linda Lingle who have the vision, the plans and the ability to work across party lines to get things done.

Tomorrow night, a live, televised debate on KITV will give Hawaii voters another opportunity to see that clear difference between Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono.

From 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. we will meet at the Neal Blaisdell Center Corner of King St. & Ward Ave.  (Contact Colleen LaClair, 781-1200).  And after we sign wave, please come back with us to our campaign Headquarters at 1505 Dillingham Blvd. immediately after sign waving for dinner and to watch the debate on TV.

Spread the word and tell your friends. This is must-see TV, for this election and for our future!

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

They said it: “$109 billion in cuts are scheduled for January – so the Budget Control Act has become an issue in the November elections. U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, a Democrat campaigning for U.S. Senate, voted for the law because she thought it would stabilize the nation’s fiscal situation.” [1]

Unlike Hirono, Governor Lingle would not have supported sequestration because “it is important to deal with the issues at hand, rather than kicking the can down the road as our current Congress has done too often.” [2]

Aloha friends,

I hope your weekend is finishing strong,

Gov. Lingle was on Molokai yesterday, visiting with supporters, meeting with residents and small business owners, and listening to the issues that are top of mind for these folks. Needless to say, she was very grateful for the opportunity to get back to her roots over there, visit with her hanai relatives, and see the island and people she loves so dearly.

We have another opportunity for all you volunteers today!  The Lingle campaign team will be walking door to door in Mililani today, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  We need your help in “delivering” Gov. Lingle’s message to voters in this community and invite you to join us.

We will be meeting at 10:00 a.m. at the Mililani Mauka McDonalds, 95-1860 Meheula Parkway.  Whatever time you can spend is greatly appreciated.  Please wear your Lingle t-shirt and bring a hat and some sunscreen.

Drinks and lunch will be provided to all volunteers after the walk.

We hope to see all of you this morning!   To sign up for the walk, please call Casey Gorham, Walk Captain, at (815) 546-5428.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Aloha friends,

I hope your weekend is going great,

Last night we had a tremendous turnout on the Leeward Coast, with our West Side supporters putting together a terrific dinner and rally for Linda Lingle.

Nanakuli Intermediate and High School’s cafeteria was packed with positive energy, aloha, great music, ono grinds, and so much support for work together and help elect Linda Lingle — because of the positive changes she’s had in all of our lives, and the clear plans and vision she has to help us in the future.

Our Facebook page has a new album of photos up. Click here now to see them all. Tag yourself if you see yourself!

We have another opportunity for all you volunteers!  The Lingle campaign team will be walking door to door in Mililani on Sunday,  Oct. 14, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  We need your help in “delivering” Gov. Lingle’s message to voters in this community and invite you to join us.

We will be meeting at 10:00 a.m. at the Mililani Mauka McDonalds, 95-1860 Meheula Parkway.  Whatever time you can spend is greatly appreciated.  Please wear your Lingle t-shirt and bring a hat and some sunscreen.

Drinks and lunch will be provided to all volunteers after the walk.

We hope to see all of you on Sunday.   To sign up for the walk, please call Casey Gorham, Walk Captain, at (815) 546-5428.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Aloha friends,

Happy Aloha Friday!

Did you read the strong piece of support for Linda Lingle that appeared in the Maui News? Clearly her support on the neighbor islands is seeing an uptick as more people become aware of how her commitment extends to in-person appearances at neighbor island forums, whereas Mazie Hirono is skipping every single one.

The Maui News piece also underscores that the first televised debate between Mazie Hirono and Linda Lingle clearly showed Gov. Lingle is the most-qualified person for the job, and that Hirono simply lacks vision, understanding, a record or a plan. She is solely depending on demagoguery and trying the same failed attack of trying to link Gov. Lingle to national Republicans. And that simply rings false to Hawaii voters who know Gov. Lingle always puts “people first” ahead of political party loyalty.

Read the entire piece by clicking here.

Tonight is our big rally in Nanakuli! It starts at 6:30 p.m. and runs until 8:30 p.m. Come on out and join us on the West Side! Click here for event info.

Enjoy your day and please help us NOW by volunteering! Just click here and you can get involved, and provide us with the critical help we need to elect Linda Lingle as our next U.S. Senator!

Until next time,

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

October 11, 2012

A clear win for Lingle

Sept. 15, 2012

By The Maui News

Reconsider, Rep. Hirono

It was disappointing to read that Rep. Mazie Hirono has decided not to debate former Gov. Linda Lingle on the Neighbor Islands before the November election for U.S. Senate.

A story in yesterday’s Maui News said that Hirono has decided that four televised debates will reach a statewide audience. That apparently should suffice.

We have always enjoyed seeing candidates, head to head, in person. Explaining why she had declined to participate in a debate sponsored by the Maui Chamber of Commerce, Hirono said that members of the board of the chamber had donated money to her opponent in the past so she did not believe she had a chance to gain the group’s endorsement.

The debate was to be open to the public, so that should have been the audience Hirono wanted to reach – not the chamber board.

When we served on the chamber board, it sponsored a well-attended debate between then gubernatorial candidates Neil Abercrombie and Mufi Hannemann. The moderator was former Maui News City Editor Edwin Tanji – and it would have been hard to find a fairer, more objective person for the job.

We hope that Hirono will change her mind and agree to debate Lingle not just here on Maui, but on the other Neighbor Islands as well. It is an important election and the voters deserve to see their debating styles in person.

After all, the winner of this election will be representing us in the United States Senate and arguing for Hawaii’s interests in a Capitol full of skilled debaters. The voters – even Neighbor Islanders – deserve to see the competitors in action.

* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.

Why The State Needs Lingle

Aug. 19, 2012

By The Maui News

It is amusing to see commercials on television saying that former Gov. Linda Lingle will be a pawn of Republican leaders if she is elected to the United States Senate.

Lingle is the most independent politician we’ve ever run into. She certainly hasn’t had a lot of practice being beholden to the GOP here because one could make a fairly strong argument that there isn’t a Republican Party in Hawaii.

There’s the Democrats and, well, Lingle. Oh, sure, we have a token Republican in the state Senate and a few in the state House, but they are just there for window dressing – they have no power. Maui’s lone GOP state House member is there because his Democratic opponent in the last election had an error in judgment and backed a friend who was charged with a sexual indiscretion.

Oh, sure, you’ll see your occasional Charles Djou and Duke Aiona on television, but nobody gives them the key to the car. They let Djou take the U.S. District 1 House seat for a spin in the special election when Neil Abercrombie resigned, but it was a fluke. His two Democratic opponents split that party’s vote and let Djou go to Washington for a few months.

No, Lingle is the only Republican who is taken seriously statewide. And it is because she is so independent, so hard to button hole. Oh, and did we forget to mention, forthright. Lingle actually tells people what she is thinking.

We didn’t agree with everything Lingle did as governor. But she never promised one thing and did another.

The former governor says she wants to go to Washington to work across party lines to find solutions to the country’s big problems. She also wants to fight for Hawaii – make it easier for resident of the Far East to vacation in our islands, for instance.

As we’ve expressed previously, we think her opponent is too ideologically rigid to make the bipartisan compromises necessary to correct the country’s debt and deficit problems. Lingle will put country first and work with anyone – no matter the party – to find the big solutions.

There’s a reason Lingle has been successful. Put succinctly, it is because she is smart, moderate and honest. She is just what Hawaii needs in our next United States senator.

Aloha friends,

As our week winds down, the energy is continuing to ramp up here. We posted new photos on our Facebook page of the rally and dinner for Linda Lingle in Ewa. What a tremendous turnout! Hundreds were riding the wave of momentum that surged out of the first televised debate. We are daily receiving testimonials from voters who were previously on the fence, but after seeing Gov. Lingle side-by-side with Rep. Hirono, the choice is clear to them: Linda Lingle has the knowledge, understanding, vision and commitment to working in a bipartisan fashion that our state and country desperately need.

And the rallies continue to underscore that building awareness that is spreading! Click here to look at the photos of the event on Facebook.

Yesterday, Gov. Lingle enjoyed the enthusiasm and appreciation she received from voters in Waimea on the Big Island. She has always put the neighbor islands at the top of her list of priorities, and they know she continues to value them because she is willing to take the time and appear before them in forums, including the one yesterday before the Waimea Community Association. Mazie Hirono obviously doesn’t feel that same value of the people on the neighbor islands, as she was a “no show” again yesterday.

Join us tomorrow for another exciting, momentum-building rally and dinner in Nanakuli! It’s at Nanakuli Intermediate and High School, and it starts at 6:30 p.m. Click here for details!

Until next time.

Until next time,

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

For Immediate Release: October 10, 2012

HUNDREDS ATTEND EWA RALLY AFTER FIRST TELEVISED DEBATE

Aloha friends,

I hope your week is headed in the right direction. We’re at the midway point, and the weekend is right around the corner!

Today, Gov. Lingle visits the Big Island to take part in a candidates forum in Waimea. This non-partisan forum will follow a traditional question and answer format with Hawai’i Island news journalist Sherry Bracken facilitating.

Questions are being provided by the various event sponsor organizations.  In addition, all who attend are invited to submit written questions.  A panel will review these questions and select the most timely and appropriate ones for various offices.

Gov. Lingle felt it important to attend these many neighbor island forums so that folks there have a chance to hear her discuss her vision for the future in person, as well as hear her answer their questions and concerns in a public format. Mazie Hirono doesn’t feel that same sense of dedication to folks on the neighbor island – her own constituency as a Congresswoman – and that’s a shame.

Friday is another Oahu rally, and it promises to be a big one! It will be from 6:30-8 p.m., at Nanakuli High & Intermediate School Cafeteria. There will be free ono food, great entertainment, door prizes and more! For more information, call (808) 777-8845 or e-mail Grassroots@Lingle2012.com. Come join us!

Until next time,

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Aloha friends,

I hope you all were able to watch last night’s strong presentation by Gov. Linda Lingle in the U.S. Senate debate, which was sponsored by the AARP. It focused primarily on the future of Social Security, Medicare and healthcare, but also included discussion on issues such as jobs and the economy and the federal budget. While Hirono talked in platitudes and partisan attacks, Governor Lingle laid out her specific plans for addressing these and other concerns that will impact the lives of the people of Hawaii in the near future.

If you were not able to watch it, you can view the debate directly on the KHON website: http://www.khon2.com/. The debate is broken up into separate sections.

You can also pull the content that was pushed out via Twitter by searching on the hashtags #Debate808 and #KHONDebate. The response was, to put it mildly, overwhelmingly in our favor.

Not only did observers on social media support and buoy the messages Governor was sharing, but after the debate was over, KHON2 News invited Hawaii Pacific University Professor for his analysis, in which he said that Linda Lingle was the clear winner of the debate.

Click here to read our full post-debate release that includes 9 separate fact checks.

Until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

For immediate release: October 8, 2012

GOVERNOR LINGLE CLEAR DEBATE WINNER WITH INDEPENDENT, PROVEN RECORD

Hirono Light on Specifics Displaying Partisan Loyalties

HONOLULU – Former Governor and candidate for Hawaii’s open U.S. Senate seat, Linda Lingle, was the clear victor in the first of four scheduled televised debates before a statewide audience on KHON2 tonight.

“Tonight’s televised debate highlighted the clear choice in this important election. The voters of Hawaii saw again that Linda Lingle has a clear understanding of the important issues facing our state, and has a proven record of accomplishment as an effective, independent leader,” Campaign Manager Bob Lee said. “Conversely, Mazie Hirono repeatedly sidestepped the issues and displayed an astonishing lack of comprehension of the complex issues that Hawaii’s next U.S. Senator must be prepared to address. Mazie Hirono’s statements – which included very few specific solutions – point out she is unqualified to be a U.S. Senator.”

The U.S. Senate debate, which was sponsored by the AARP, focused primarily on the future of Social Security, Medicare and healthcare, but also included discussion on issues such as jobs and the economy and the federal budget. While Hirono talked in platitudes and partisan attacks, Governor Lingle laid out her specific plans for addressing these and other concerns that will impact the lives of the people of Hawaii in the near future.

Hirono Misleads Voters with Inaccurate Statements

Relying on national party talking points, Hirono’s debate performance was light on specifics and filled with inaccuracies and falsehoods.  Hirono attempted to mislead the people of Hawaii with statements that were factually inaccurate and patently false.  Hirono’s misleading and inaccurate statements have been detailed, fact-checked and sourced in the Debate Fact Check Addendum that follows.

1. Hirono claimed: Governor Lingle’s idea of competition as a means of preserving Medicare is a voucher system.

Fact: Mazie Hirono is wrong on her repeated claims of a voucher system. Governor Lingle’s proposal does not involve a “voucher program.”  A voucher program is where a beneficiary receives a payment (the “voucher”) from government and then fends for himself or herself.  Under Governor Lingle’s proposal, Medicare Choice, a beneficiary can select an insurance program, including traditional Medicare, from a health exchange and the federal government will make the payment directly to the selected insurance provider.  The current Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, which is available to members of Congress, including Mazie Hirono, and which is considered a “gold standard” of healthcare plans, is just such a program.  It is not a voucher program.  If this program is good enough for Mazie Hirono and members of Congress, it is good enough for our kupuna.

Source: Federal Employees Receive High Value Coverage through FEHBP, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (April 16, 2012) (available at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/r/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/08/06/National-Politics/Graphics/FEHBBlueppo.pdf).

2. Hirono claimed: She played a primary role in the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2007.

Fact: Hirono was one of 93 co-sponsors of the bill (H.R.2831), hardly a primary role.

Source: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:HR02831:@@@P

3. Hirono claimed: The $16 trillion debt we now owe as a nation was the result of the two wars and the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest 2 percent. 

Fact: According to Hirono’s own analysis, the costs of tax cuts for the wealthiest 2 percent amounted to approximately $830 billion.  According to the independent Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the cost of the Iraq War was approximately $1.4 trillion.  These costs are a far cry from the $16 trillion national debt.  Hirono does not understand the magnitude and causes of the debt we are leaving to the next generation.  As Ed Case has said, the budget is merely an inconvenience for Mazie Hirono.

Sources:

http://hirono.house.gov/issues/issue/?IssueID=57992

http://www.cbo.gov/topics/national-security/iraq-and-afghanistan

4. Hirono said, the”fiscal cliff, better known as sequestration.”

Fact: Hirono is wrong to say that the “fiscal cliff” is simply known as sequestration. The automatic cuts (sequestration) scheduled to take effect in January 2013 are only part of the fiscal cliff equation; the other parts are the expiration of tax cuts for all Americans, the alternative minimum tax (AMT) patch, the payroll tax cut, and other tax extenders which affect individual businesses, charitable giving, energy community development and disaster relief. For her to gloss over this subject shows that she does not understand the issue.

As the Congressional Budget Office states, “Under current law, the federal budget deficit will fall dramatically between 2012 and 2013 owing to scheduled increases in taxes and, to a lesser extent, scheduled reductions in spending-a development that some observers have referred to as a ‘fiscal cliff.’”

Source: http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/FiscalRestraint_0.pdf

5. Hirono claimed: So-called “big oil” companies receive “$4 billion a year” in tax benefits.

Fact: The independent Congressional Budget Office reports that all tax breaks and subsidies for fossil fuel (includes oil, gas and coal) amounted to $2.5 billion a year.

The cost for all tax breaks and subsidies in our federal tax code is $1.1 trillion a year.  Hirono cannot justify proposing to close the deficit by hanging her hat on something that amounts to about two-tenths of one percent of all tax benefits. Alone, this does nothing significant to reduce the deficit, ignores over 99% of all other tax subsidies, and demonstrates Hirono’s lack of knowledge on reducing the federal deficit and debt.

Source: http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/03-06-FuelsandEnergy_Brief.pdf

6. Hirono claimed: One solution to the federal deficit and debt problem is going after “waste and fraud” in Medicare which would save “$600 billion over 10 years.”

Fact: She bases this on a 2011 GAO report, which stated that in fiscal year 2010 Medicare and Medicaid made a total of over $48 billion in improper payments. Waste and fraud in Medicare should be eliminated.  But it is a fallacy to assume their elimination for one year and state the 10-year amount as hard savings that would help preserve Medicare.  Medicare benefits to our seniors would be at risk if they placed hope and reliance on this empty number.

Source: Improper Payments – Reported Medicare estimates and Key Remediation Strategies, U.S. Government Accountability Office (July 28, 2011) (available at: http://gao.gov/assets/130/126770.pdf).

7. Hirono claimed: She voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which resulted in $1.4 billion of stimulus funds that “kickstarted” the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative.

Fact: Hirono claims that the $1.4 billion in federal ARRA stimulus funds, including $100 million for energy programs, was the “jump start” for the Lingle Administration’s Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative.  The fact is that the State of Hawaii only received $47.38 million in federal stimulus funds for energy programs. Many of the programs of HCEI, which was launched in January 2008, were well underway before the stimulus funds were realized within the state in late 2009. Mazie Hirono continues to exaggerate her role and claim successes that are not her own.

Source: Federal Government’s Role in Stimulating Hawaii’s Economy. Testimony of Linda Lingle, Governor of the State of Hawaii, Before the United States Senate Appropriations Committee on The Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, on Monday, August 24, 2009, at the Hawaii State Capitol. Available online:  http://archives.hawaiireporter.com/story.aspx?13ebf451-420d-416c-89c3-eb015bdf6a4b

8. Hirono claimed: “My opponent is the co-chair of Governor Romney’s campaign.”

Fact: Governor Lingle joined other notable leaders in the Jewish American community – Democrats, Independents and Republicans alike – in being named as honorary chairman for the Jewish Americans for Romney Coalition. Governor Lingle is not the co-chair of Governor Romney’s campaign.

Source: Jewish Americans for Romney Coalition. August 1, 2012. http://www.mittromney.com/blogs/mitts-view/2012/08/jewish-americans-romney-coalition

9. Hirono claimed: “I was very successful in working with a lot of people to get earmarks”

Fact: Hirono depicts herself as “a doer,” citing her No. 1 ranking in the House for earmarks in 2010 as an example, but that’s more of the enigma.”According to Legistorm, only $10.4 million of the $341.4 million in earmarks credited to her from 2008 to 2010 were “solo” earmarks, while the big total was mostly amassed by co-sponsoring with other lawmakers – primarily the self-proclaimed earmark king Inouye, who was credited with $600.4 million in solo pork during that period.”

Source: http://www.staradvertiser.com/newspremium/20120718__The_heat_is_on_for_Hirono_famous_for_weak_finishes.html?c=n

The debate was the first of four statewide televised debates between Governor Lingle and Congresswoman Hirono. Three televised debates remain including October 16 on KITV News, October 18 on Island Insights (PBS Hawaii) and October 22 on Hawaii News Now.

Additional information on the Linda Lingle Senate Campaign is available at www.Lingle2012.com. Follow the campaign on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Lingle2012, on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/Lingle2012, on www.YouTube.com/Lingle2012, and for Oceanic Digital Cable subscribers, on LL12, channel 110 (1110 for high definition).

# # # #

For immediate release: September 6, 2012

MAZIE HIRONO MISLEADS VOTERS WITH TEN FALSEHOODS AND INACCURACIES IN FIRST TWO-CANDIDATE FORUM

HONOLULU – In the first of five scheduled forums and debates between Governor Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono, candidates for Hawaii’s open U.S. Senate seat, Hirono attempted to mislead the audience at the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii with at least 10 statements that were factually inaccurate and patently false.

“Today’s forum highlighted the clear choice presented in this important election. The voters of Hawaii learned again today that Linda Lingle has a clear understanding of the important issues facing our state, and has a proven record of accomplishment as an effective, independent leader. Conversely, Mazie Hirono provided an astonishing inability to comprehend the complex issues which challenge Hawaii and our country.  Mazie Hirono’s statements – which included very few specific solutions – point out she is either grossly uninformed or she is purposefully misleading the public,” said Campaign Manager Bob Lee.

Hirono’s errors included the following 10 inaccuracies, misstatements and falsehoods.

1. Hirono said, “We cannot go it alone, this is an interconnected world. When President Bush led us into war in Iraq, it was basically a unilateral decision.”

FACT: No U.S. President can ‘go it alone’ in any war. According to Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, the Congress has the enumerated power to declare war (1).

In 2002, the U.S. Congress authorized war in Iraq with 77% of the U.S. Senate voting yay and 68% of the U.S. House of Representatives (2). It was not a unilateral decision by President Bush.

Additionally, the United States of America had a large group of allies in the Iraq war. As of March 21, 2003, the allies included the following 31 countries: Afghanistan, Albania, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom and Uzbekistan. (3)

Sources:

(1) U.S. Constitution. http://www.usconstitution.net/xconst_A1Sec8.html

(2) Senate: http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=107&session=2&vote=00237; House: http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/roll757.xml

(3) The Coalition of the Willing,  Ethics of Development, Jesse Lorenz. Available at: http://www.stanford.edu/class/e297a/The%20Coalition%20of%20the%20Willing.htm

2. Hirono said, “When my opponent said that she balanced the budget, it was thanks to $1.4 billion in federal recovery money…”

FACT: Hirono’s claim that Governor Lingle balanced the Hawaii state budget with $1.4 billion in federal “ARRA” stimulus funds is simply not true. The magnitude of the Hawaii state budget revenue shortfall was $3 billion, and was the result of the most rapid decline in state budget revenues in Hawaii’s history. (1)

Although the state was allocated $1.4 billion in ARRA funding, a significant portion of this funding was earmarked for specific purposes and could not be used by Hawaii or any other state to balance their budgets. At least half of this $1.4 billion allocation was funding earmarked directly to the counties or for “shovel-ready” projects in transportation and energy.  This earmarked funding could not be used to balance states’ budgets, as claimed by Mazie Hirono.

The Lingle administration was able to effectively apply the non-earmarked portions, including $320 million in Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) and $157 million State Fiscal Stabilization funding, of the ARRA federal funds to supplement state general funding in education and social services.  That amount did not cover Hawaii’s $3 billion budget shortfall. (2 & 3)

Sources:

(1) Stimulating Hawaii’s Economy: Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Hearing before the committee on appropriations, U.S. Senate (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-111shrg52739/html/CHRG-111shrg52739.htm).

(2) Governor Lingle unveils plan to close revenue shortfall, March 4, 2009; Retrieved from: http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/dailypix/2009/Mar/04/lingle.pdf

(3) Looking back, Looking Forward. http://thelingleyears.wordpress.com/education/

3. Hirono said “Don Young… and I got together to fight our own caucuses to save funding for Native Hawaiian and Alaskan education grants.”

FACT: Hirono has repeatedly referred to the “Hirono-Young Amendment.” The Amendment, according to the Congressional Record, was named the Young Amendment, not the Hirono-Young Amendment (1). Furthermore, Hirono voted against the very bill to which the Young Amendment was attached (2).

Congresswoman Hirono votes with her party 96% of the time. Her actions and her words do not reflect a collaborative leader who can work with others, whose views may differ from her views (3).

Sources:

(1) http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll074.xml

(2) http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d112:HZ00060

(3) http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/H001042

4. Hirono said, “My opponent is the chair of the Romney-Ryan ticket.”

FACT: Governor Lingle joined other notable leaders in the Jewish American community – Democrats, Independents and Republicans alike – in being named as honorary chairman for the Jewish Americans for Romney Coalition. Governor Lingle is not co-chairing Governor Romney’s campaign. (1)

Source:

(1) Jewish Americans for Romney Coalition. August 1, 2012. http://www.mittromney.com/blogs/mitts-view/2012/08/jewish-americans-romney-coalition

5. Hirono said, “the sequestration is not the way to do it” when referring to the nation’s deficit and debt challenges.

FACT: Mazie Hirono stated her strategy for growing our nation’s economy included eliminating the “sequestration” (the automatic tax increases and budget cuts scheduled to be effective in January 2012).

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, in its May 2012 “Economic Effects of Reducing the Fiscal Restraint That Is Scheduled to Occur in 2013” report to Congress, warned that eliminating the “sequestration” without imposing other comparable measures of fiscal restraint would reduce our nation’s output and income and lead to national debt levels that would be dangerous. (1)

Mazie Hirono needs to provide specifics on how she would reduce the additional deficit and debt that would result from eliminating the sequestration.  Without a specific plan to tackle our mounting deficit and debt, Mazie Hirono would be endangering our economy and the well-being of Hawaii’s families.

Source:

(1) Congressional Budget Office, in its May 2012 “Economic Effects of Reducing the Fiscal Restraint That Is Scheduled to Occur in 2013, retrieved from http://www.cbo.gov/publication/43262

6. Hirono said, “If the Republicans take control of the U.S. Senate, Senator Inouye will lose his chairmanship.”

FACT: Whether Governor Lingle is elected or not, Republicans may gain a majority of the U.S. Senate, meaning Senator Inouye will lose his chairmanship of the Appropriations Committee. For decades, Senator Inouye and the late Republican Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska looked out for each other’s interests when one party or another was in the majority. Since Senator Stevens’ passing, Senator Inouye has had the advantage of sitting in the majority party.

If Hawaii’s delegation remains completely Democrat, then Hawaii does not have anyone in the majority party looking out for its interests. The fact is, it is in Hawaii’s best interest to have a “foot in both camps,” so that no matter which party is in control, Hawaii’s interests will be effectively advocated for in Washington, D.C. (1) While Senator Inoyue may not gavel the committee to order, he would still be the ranking member. This statement is pure shibai.

Source:

(1) Inouye-Stevens bond crossed party lines, Derrick DePledge, Honolulu Star-Advertiser (http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/20100811_Inouye-Stevens_bond_crossed_party_lines.html?id=100418444).

7. Hirono said “My opponent [said] there should be a special committee in the Senate to focus on tourism. There already is such a committee and the ranking member is Roy Blunt, someone I have worked with in the past and I look forward to working with again.”

FACT: There is no sub-committee in the U.S. Senate which is focused on tourism. There is a bipartisan Senate Tourism Caucus (1).

Mazie Hirono and her U.S. Senate campaign staff members have previously called U.S. Senator Roy Blunt a “right-wing extremist” (2).

Sources:

(1) http://www.kirk.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=490

(2) Emails from Betsy Lin, campaign manager, March 6, 2012 and May 10, 2012. Also reported by Honolulu Civil Beat, http://hawaii.politics.government.blogs.civilbeat.com/post/18876570337/hirono-jabs-lingle-over-blunt-amendment

8. Hirono said we should “end tax breaks for richest 2%” to solve the nation’s deficit and debt crisis.

FACT: According to the IRS, U.S. residents making $1 million or more annually had a total adjusted gross income of $240 billion in 2009. If government were to take these millionaires’ entire income – effectively taxing them at 100% – it would raise $240 billion a year. That would cover just 18.5% of the current $1.3 trillion deficit. (1)

Source:

(1) IRS, Statistics of Income Division, July 2011

9. Hirono said “It’s easy to wave your hand at Fannie Mae for our melt down, but the fact of the matter is that it was Wall Street and the excesses of Wall Street that led our country to the brink of economic chaos.”

FACT: In January 2009, the Congressional Research Service issued a report outlining the causes of the financial crisis. The report found that among the major causes of the financial crisis, was “Government-Mandated Subprime Lending”: “Federal mandates to help low-income borrowers (e.g., the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s affordable housing goals) forced banks to engage in imprudent mortgage lending.” (1)

President Clinton has also called for tightening controls on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac stating, “responsibility the Democrats have may rest more in resisting any efforts by Republicans in the Congress or by me when I was President to put some standards and tighten up a little on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.” (2)

Sources:

(1) Causes of the Financial Crisis, Congressional Research Service (2009) (http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/R40173_20090129.pdf).

(2) ABC News interview with Chris Cuomo. Retrieved from http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2008/09/25/fox-news-blames-democrats-financial-crisis-bill-clinton-agrees#ixzz25ji4kcdR

10. Hirono said “I also have a bipartisan bill, called the VISIT USA bill… that is supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce…”

FACT: Mazie Hirono has constantly referred to her advocacy of visa waivers and her sponsorship of the VISIT USA Act, implying that it was an original idea she proposed.  Fact is that on November 3, 2011, two weeks after Senators Schumer and Mike Lee first introduced the legislation in the U.S. Senate, Mazie Hirono copied the bill and introduced it in the U.S. House.  Thus far, the bill is in committee and has resulted in no action.(1)

Despite Mazie Hirono’s touting of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s support for the VISIT USA bill, she has frequently called the nation’s largest organization of businesses a “right-wing mainland interest” (2).

Sources:

(1) Library of Congress. http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d112:1:./temp/~bdB5Kz::|/home/LegislativeData.php|   Hirono is the sponsor; 10 House co-sponsors.

(2) U.S. Senate Campaign email from Mazie Hirono, June 25, 2012

——–

Today’s forum will be aired on Olelo Community Television on September 13 at 8:30 p.m. (VIEW 54), September 16 at 10:30 a.m.(VIEW 54), September 19 at 4:30 p.m. (FOCUS 49) and September 30 at 8:00 a.m. (VIEW 54).

A complete video of the forum will also be available on LL12, channel 110 or LL12HD, channel 1110 on Oceanic Time-Warner Digital Cable.

Additional information on the Linda Lingle Senate campaign is available at www.Lingle2012.com. Follow the campaign on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Lingle2012, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Lingle2012, and on YouTube at www.YouTube.com/Lingle2012.

# # # #

Aloha friends,

Welcome to the start of a new week! Don’t forget, today is the deadline for voter registration. If you aren’t registered, and you want to help change the course of our country’s future and set it in a positive direction, you must act today! Click here for information on registration, but remember to walk your paperwork in! Please e-mail Grassroots@Lingle2012.com if you have any questions or problems.

Governor Linda Lingle will appear on television sets across our state tonight in an AARP-sponsored KHON2 debate from 7-8 p.m. against her opponent Congresswoman Mazie Hirono in their first televised debate for Hawaii’s open U.S. Senate seat.

As a proven, independent, effective leader, Governor Lingle is well prepared to lay out her clear specific plans for creating jobs, ending partisan gridlock, and her vision for moving our nation forward.

Join with us at our Headquarters on each island as we watch the debate together with food and friends. Come down to your nearest Headquarters from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday evening. But please RSVP ahead of time. Click here to find your island’s HQ contact information to call or e-mail!

If you’re going to stay home and watch it, be sure to share your thoughts on our Facebook page, or via Twitter. Use the hashtag #Debate808 to follow along and lend your reaction to what you see on TV. And you must keep tabs on our Debate Central web page here. We will update it throughout the evening, letting no false accusation or distortion of the truth go unchallenged! Click here to get started.

Until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

As a Maui News letter entitled Pointing out Hirono’s voting record is fair game, noted yesterday: “According to www.govtrack.us/congress/members/mazie_hirono/412200, from January 2007 to September 2012, Hirono missed 257 of 5,081 recorded or roll call votes, which is 5 percent. This is worse than the median of 2.5 percent,” and “since when is pointing out a congressman’s voting record a personal attack ad?”

Hirono cannot defend the 144 votes she missed this year, but she will have to answer for them in tonight’s debate.

Aloha friends,

Our Hawaii Kai rally was a tremendous success last night, and it just goes to show that as we continue these statewide events, it’s bringing people together, connecting new and old friends, amplifying our message, and strengthening our campaign to elect Linda Lingle as our next U.S. Senator.

A few important events coming up: Monday’s debate from 7-8 p.m. on KHON2 (tell your friends!). We’ll be having viewing parties around the state, on all islands, at our HQs. So contact your Grassroots leaders or e-mail Grassroots@Lingle2012.com to tell them you’ll be heading down! Tuesday we have another free dinner and rally for Linda Lingle, this time at Ewa Makai Middle School; and Friday we are having a West-side rally in Nanakuli at Nanakuli High and Intermediate!

Folks we can do this. We can win this election. We’ve seen it on the ground, both in Governor’s meeting with you and talking story with you and your communities, and the turnouts at these rallies – they are all signals pointing to our underlying strength. But we can’t do it if you don’t get involved, and if you’re not registered to vote!

The deadline for voter registration to help change the course of our country’s future and set it in a positive direction is Monday, Oct. 8. Remember, you have to walk in your registration because it’s a federal holiday. Click here for information on registration, but remember to walk your paperwork in! Please e-mail Grassroots@Lingle2012.com if you have any questions or problems.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and maybe we’ll see you at the Pet Walk today!

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Aloha friends,

Aloha and welcome to the weekend,

Gov. had a very productive and rewarding trip to Lanai yesterday. The neighbor islands have always been a top priority for her, going back to her days living on Molokai, sitting on the Maui County Council, as Maui Mayor. And as Governor, Linda Lingle established county advisory boards made up of volunteer community leaders. The membership of the boards in East and West Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kauai discussed and reviewed a myriad of issues important to each island.

Having worked and lived on both Molokai and Maui, she knows how important it is for residents on every island to know their concerns are being heard by their U.S. Senator and that their opinions are important at a national level.

If elected to the U.S. Senate, she will create advisory boards on each neighbor island to give a voice to the statewide population of Hawaii at the Federal level.

While other candidates have pledged to be available via a toll free number or through their websites, Linda Lingle believes it is critical for constituents to be able to interact face-to-face with a member of my team when I am in D.C.

Have a great Saturday, and please keep up the great work! We’re gaining ground, building more momentum, and this plan will carry us forth to victory on Election Day! IMUA!

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Aloha friends,

Hilo was a tremendous success last night. The Big Island is definitely swinging in our favor, and you can feel the energy and excitement that comes with that momentum. Given how close Linda Lingle kept the neighbor islands in her discussions, communications, and priorities, it’s no wonder. We’re making a big push to remind neighbor islanders all that Gov did while she was on the Maui County Council, as Maui Mayor, and then as Governor, to make their lives better. She truly cares about people, and it shows in those accomplishments.

Today that focus and commitment heads to Lanai. On the Pineapple Isle, Gov will visit with folks at community meetings and gatherings, as well as take some time to talk story with staff workers at The Lodge.

And tomorrow Gov will be back on Oahu, and don’t forget to join her and us at the Hawaii Kai rally! We’ll get the fun started at 6 p.m. at Kaiser High School. See the flyer below!

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Aloha friends,

We had a terrific rally last night in Mililani. Gov. Lingle was so excited and invigorated by the display of strong support and surging momentum we continue to see at rallies across the island. See some of the photos on our Facebook page by clicking here.

Today she heads to Hilo for a free dinner and rally there, and we want all our Big Island supporters to know about it. See the flyer below. It’s at our Hilo Campaign HQ (1177 Kilauea Ave.) from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Come on down

As you know, I strongly believe in Linda Lingle’s qualities as a leader, her ability to be that independent, courageous voice of reason in a sea of gridlocked partisanship. I’ve seen it firsthand, and I stand by that assessment – she has, and will continue, to work with both political parties to get things done for Hawaii’s people. She can be the partner Hawaii needs to work with Senator Inouye in Washington for our benefit.

Her strength has drawn criticism and an attempt to mislead voters by ignoring fact and history. Please take a moment to watch this new spot, “Governor Lingle Answers Senator Inouye,” where she sets the record straight. Click here to watch the spot.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Hirono voted for the Budget Control Act of 2011 which authorized automatic cuts to the federal government totaling an estimated 110 billion dollars for FY 2013. [1] However, as the President’s own Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is reporting:

“The Administration does not support these cuts, but unless Congress acts responsibly, there will be no choice but to implement them.” [2] The OMB is reporting that Congress’ continued inaction will force $112 million in cuts to the Administration on Aging, which could deprive Hawaii’s kupuna of critical health services. [3]

Our state deserves effective leadership that works for Hawaii’s kupuna, not for Washington insiders.

[1] http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll690.xml

[2] OMB Report (pg. 1) http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/legislative_reports/stareport.pdf

[3] OMB Report (pg. 74) http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/legislative_reports/stareport.pdf

Aloha friends,

We will be celebrating in Central Oahu today, as we welcome supporters and Grassroots volunteers out to join Linda Lingle for a free dinner rally, at Mililani High School, from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

See the flyer for more information below.

Don’t forget that Oct. 8 is the deadline to register to vote for this Election. Do NOT delay! Click here for instructions and information on how to register.

Don’t forget to contact Karli (Karli@lingle2012.com) if you want to volunteer to help set up at our Mililani rally. We’ll also be sign waving in Mililani and Kapolei, so don’t miss out! Colleen (colleen@lingle2012.com) can fill you in on the details.

Until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

While Hirono missed 144 votes in 2012, including key votes to help encourage job creation, protect the environment and lower student loan interest rates. Yet, she had no trouble showing up for work to vote against funding the Department of Defense which provides funding to keep all of Hawaii’s military bases operational, threatening the existence of more than 10,000 jobs for Hawaii residents. [1]

Hirono’s record and priorities are out of sync with the people of Hawaii.

Aloha friends,

Wee are very excited about today’s rally in Kailua, at Kailua High School, from 6-8 p.m. There will be ono free food and special entertainment by David “Kawika” Kahiapo.

Then tomorrow, Central Oahu will be turning out to join Linda Lingle for another free dinner rally, this time at Mililani High School, from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Don’t miss these events! See the flyers for more information below.

Oct. 8 is a major campaign deadline. It’s the date you MUST register by in order to vote in this Election. So if you, or someone you know, is not yet registered – do NOT delay! Click here for instructions and information on how to register.

The HQ is open from 9:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m. every day. Volunteers are phone banking throughout the day, with Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) calls from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Come into the HQ for some exciting work! We have a variety of jobs at any given time, so if you want to volunteer– we have the perfect job for you!

Until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

 Hirono applauded the Democrat-controlled congress for passing “over 400 bills” and deemed her first four years a success (2006-2010), even though not a single one of the bills that passed were her’s.

“Speaking to a crowd of mostly Democratic students, Rep. Hirono touted the many legislative successes of her first two terms in Congress from 2006 to 2010, happily noting that “over 400 bills were passed” within the four years of Democratic congressional control.” [1]

[1] Ricky Garza, “Senate Candidate Rep. Mazie Hirono (HI-2) Visits Campus,” The Georgetown Progressive, www.guprogressive.com, Accessed 1/13/12

Aloha friends,

Welcome to the start of another new week. It is hard to believe, but we are just 36 days away from electing our next United States Senator to represent Hawaii. What a tremendous opportunity. We can help set the course for a generation here at home, and help effect positive change in Washington by sending Linda Lingle to work for the people of Hawaii.

Following on our successful rallies in Laie and at Farrington High School, we will be having two more rallies this week: Kailua on Tuesday and Mililani on Wednesday.

Be sure to spread the word! The Kailua event will be at Kailua High School on Tuesday, Oct. 2, from 6-8 p.m. There will be ono free food and special entertainment by David “Kawika” Kahiapo.

Then on Wednesday, Central Oahu will be turning out to join Linda Lingle for another free dinner rally, this time at Mililani High School, from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Don’t miss these events! See the flyers for more information below.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Aloha friends,

I hope you’re having a terrific weekend. Our campaign is humming along, building momentum and energy with each passing day, and we need your help to bring home an Election Day victory.

Here’s how you can help make this happen:

CONNECT:

Have you registered with us online? Visit http://lingle2012.nationbuilder.com NOW and fill out the information page. This helps us identify you as a supporter, and it gives you a chance to tell us how you’re going to help us win: Wave signs, phone bank, walk door-to-door, etc.

Follow us on Facebook (Facebook.com/Lingle2012) and Twitter (@Lingle2012).

PHONE BANKING:

We are making thousands of calls around the state, identifying our voters so that come Election Day, we can GET OUT OUR VOTE. It’s not who has the most supporters, but how many supporters that turn out to the voting booth on Election Day.

SHARING INFORMATION:

Whether it’s forwarding an e-mail we have sent you, “sharing” a post from our Facebook page, or Retweeting a message from our Twitter account – each time you get our message out, it extends the reach of Linda Lingle’s winning message.

Have a great day and until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Since being elected to the House of Representatives six years ago, Hirono has collected more than $1,000,000 in Congressional pay, and yet she has failed to guide any of the 49 bills she sponsored to become law.

Her ineffective record is not in Hawaiiʼs best interest.

Hawaii can do better than Hirono’s ineffectiveness.

Aloha friends,

This campaign has been nothing if not a study in contrasting candidates and philosophies behind those candidates.

We’ve all seen the level of commitment shown by Linda Lingle to appear in-person at neighbor island forums and debates, willing to show up side-by-side with her opponent Mazie Hirono, so that the people are able to get a clear view of the choices afforded them in this election.

Sadly, Mazie Hirono does not care enough about her own constituents to even attend a single forum or debate in-person on a neighbor island. It’s truly remarkable when you consider how many votes she has also skipped on her constituents’ behalf, as well as the ineffectiveness of her time spent in Congress: Not a single one of her bills have passed into law.

Linda Lingle showed again her commitment to the neighbor islands, spending time there yesterday at the Maui County Fair. Throughout her time as Maui County Council member, Maui Mayor, and as Governor too, Linda Lingle made the neighbor islands a priority, accomplishing real improvements in the lives of people who live there, and making an effort through her neighbor island advisory advisory committees she established to keep her in close contact with them and their issues.

Please help us remind people of the positive improvements Linda Lingle made for the lives of the people of Hawaii, and in doing so they will know they can count on her to continue that strong record as a U.S. Senator!

Until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Aloha friends,

I hope your week is going great. It’s almost Aloha Friday! And tonight we have extra reason to celebrate:

From 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. we will be rocking the house (well, cafeteria anyway) at Farrington High School in our Mabuhay! Rally for Linda Lingle! Come join us for free ono Filipino food, entertainment, singing, dancing, and talking story with our next U.S. Senator: Linda Lingle.

Folks, the energy and enthusiasm around headquarters as we gear up for this event and the final sprint toward our Election Day finish line Nov. 6 is palpable. Come join us, join the effort, and help rally the troops as we gather and support the clear choice for U.S. Senate.

See you there! Click here for full event information.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Mazie Hirono and her colleagues in the partisan Congress have failed to honestly address our country’s fiscal crisis and Hawaii’s families are suffering as a result.

Aloha friends and welcome to what will hopefully be a productive and positive Wednesday,

We have a very exciting week going on so far, and I wanted to share with you some of the events coming up.

Tomorrow will be a terrific rally in Honolulu for Linda Lingle. It’s the “Mabuhay! Rally for Linda Lingle,” and it will be held at Farringon High School. There will be ono food, prizes entertainment, and a good time of fellowship with so many hundreds of people we expect to be there. Won’t you join us? The flyer is below.

On Friday and Saturday, Governor will be spending time visiting with our kupuna at the Senior Fair, going on at the Blaisdell Center. Of course we all know how important the issues of Social Security and Medicare are to our important older generations, and these folks depend on Linda Lingle for her vision, leadership and commitment to ensuring that promises made are promises kept on those programs that sustain them. They know she will, as Senator, make sure the government keeps its promises to those on retirement or nearing that stage of life.

For more details on Governor’s position on these important issues, visit: http://www.lingle2012.com/commitments-to-seniors/

Have a great day, and until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Mazie Hirono, who currently represents Hawaii Island as part of the 2nd Congressional District, refused to debate Governor Linda Lingle on the neighbor islands, even though this is a once-in-a-generation election.

By refusing to all debates and forums on any neighbor island, Hirono has chosen to ignore nearly 30% of our state’s population.

Aloha friends and welcome to the start of a new week,

I hope you had a terrific weekend and are ready to tackle the week ahead, starting with a productive Aloha Monday.

All along we’ve known that our opponent only has one play to make in this campaign: Try to distort Gov. Lingle’s record or use scare tactics to try and distract voters from the truth and from the real issues and challenges we face.

And public vindication came when Honolulu Magazine picked up on one aspect of this, calling out the Hirono camp for their distortion of the facts. The title of the piece says it all: “Wrong on Furlough Fridays: Mazie Hirono’s Campaign Thinks We Don’t Remember What Happened.”

As Governor said at the outset of this race, there will be many false claims made during this Senatorial campaign, including attempts to rewrite the history of her eight years as Hawaii’s Governor. You can count on the fact that we will call out these false claims when they are made and set the record straight.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Aloha friends,

Tough less yesterday by our Hawaii Football Warriors. Nothing to do but put it behind them, get back to work on improving, and set their eyes on next week’s opponent.

I don’t have to tell YOU where our focus is, now with 45 days remaining until Election Day. It’s on getting Linda Lingle’s message out of bipartisanship, independent leadership, common-sense solutions, and building on her proven record of success putting Hawaii’s “people first.”

Today on the Big Island, Gov. Lingle will be at Kealakehe High School attending a U.S. Senate candidates debate. It’s a shame Mazie Hirono has decided she doesn’t care enough about her own constituents to attend a single neighbor island forum, but we don’t have time to let her get her priorities straight. There is no time left in this election for posturing, and with the fiscal cliff our country is facing, we can’t afford her partisan gamesmanship any longer either – we need real leadership, real bipartisanship, in the U.S. Senate to solve these challenges we face together.

Presented by the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, the forum will be from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Enjoy your Sunday and until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Wrong on Furlough Fridays:

Mazie Hirono’s campaign thinks we don’t remember what happened.

By A. Kam Napier

I’m not following the Lingle vs. Hirono race for U.S. Senate all that closely, but I do have my antenna up on the subject of public education in Hawaii. It’s something the magazine covers extensively every year. So when I received a press release from Mazie Hirono’s campaign today alleging that former Gov. Linda Lingle was entirely responsible for the Furlough Fridays debacle in 2009, which cost Hawaii’s students 17 instructional days, I took the bait and watched the campaign video.

The video may convince those with short memories, but even those people can Google the historical record, which is this: While the Lingle administration definitely required state departments to make cuts in the face of steeply declining tax receipts as the economy tanked, the specific decision to cut that many instructional days was something worked out between the Department of Education and the Hawaii State Teachers Association. Here’s what we said about that at the time.

There’s a link in that Off My Desk item to a news report of the time with more details, I’ll repeat that here: a Sep. 25, 2009 article in The Honolulu Advertiser.

Key quote from the Advertiser: “In scheduling 17 furlough days that will shut down Hawaii’s public schools, the Department of Education and the Hawaii State Teachers Association agreed not to use any of the six available waiver and professional development days to offset the loss of instructional time or relieve parents of child-care worries.”

Hirono’s campaign conveniently leaves this fact out. But then, Hirono is endorsed by the HSTA, which may explain why her campaign’s memory of those days is so selective.

We’ve pointed out, for years now, that one of the problems with such a massive, politicized state bureaucracy is that it can find political cover when it needs it, to shield the adults in the system from any accountability, no matter how poorly they serve the students and the taxpayers. It was obvious in 2009, and should be remembered now, that Furlough Fridays was nothing less than organized government labor making sure the public would hurt just as much as the union over pay cuts. It was a strike, in everything but name. Now, if Hirono and Lingle want to have a frank discussion about that, we might be able to make some progress on education in Hawaii.

Aloha and welcome to the weekend,

We are putting out a call for ALL Lingle Sign Wavers!!

We’re rallying everyone to join in a big sign waving event for Gov. Lingle, today, Sept. 22, before the University of Hawaii vs. Nevada football game. We will be waving at the corner of Salt Lake Blvd. and Kahuapaani Street from 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.

See the Map below.

Please call and invite your friends and ‘Ohana to join us for an afternoon of fun and excitement!

If you would like to carpool to the sign waving event, please contact Colleen LaClair at 781-1200, or email, colleen@lingle2012.com. We will meet at the Lingle HQ, 1505 Dillingham Blvd., Suite C, at 12:00 p.m. A bento lunch will be provided to you. We will depart for Aloha Stadium promptly at 1:00 p.m. (Returns from Aloha Stadium to the Lingle HQ will be done at 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.)

If you would like to go directly to Aloha Stadium, please meet up with the group at 1:30 p.m. at the corner of Salt Lake Blvd. and Kahuapaani Street.

Please wear your Lingle T-Shirt to the event. If you do not have one, we’ll provide a shirt to you that day. Please be sure to wear sunscreen and wear a hat or visor!

Should you have any questions, please contact one of the following people:

Colleen LaClair, 781-1200
Lloyd Yonenaka, 754-0078
Pamela Dodson, 295-4181

We look forward to seeing EVERYONE there to support Gov. Lingle for the U.S. Senate! Go Lingle, and Go Warriors!

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

I hope your week ended on a positive note. It’s Aloha Friday, and for many of you that means a break. But if you’re part of this campaign team, it just means we’re only five weekends away from Election Day and are right in the middle of crunch time.

All our dedicated supporters are coming out now because they know that Nov. 7 will not matter. All that matters is the ever-shrinking amount of time we have left, and that we must work hard each day to get Linda Lingle’s winning message of bipartisanship out to the voters.

With only 46 days until the General Election, Governor Linda Lingle has continued her travels throughout the state to share her positive message of putting Hawaii’s “people first.”

Unfortunately, Mazie Hirono and her political operatives have been spending all their time attacking Governor Lingle instead of articulating her positions on the important issues facing our state and country.

Hirono’s latest attack says that Senator Inouye will not be an effective Senator if Governor Linda Lingle is elected because the Senate majority may change hands.

What Hirono ignores is the fact that the Senate’s majority has changed four times in the past 20 years. To suggest that Senator Inouye has been ineffective during the times his party is not in control is simply false and is offensive to our Hawaii senior Senator’s hard work on behalf of our state.

As someone who has worked in Washington with Senator Inouye, and here at home with Governor Lingle, I felt compelled to set the record straight, which is why I released the following special video message:

For Hirono to build her entire campaign on the coattails of Senator Inouye and President Obama underscores her lack of depth as a candidate for a promotion to higher office.

Friends, with this once-in-a-generation election we have a unique opportunity to elect an effective and tested leader who will always put Hawaii’s “people first.” Linda Lingle is the clear choice for Hawaii.

Please share this video with your friends and ‘ohana to let them know you are supporting and voting for Linda Lingle.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Given months’ notice of the Waikiki Neighborhood Board forum, Hirono again deprived the Waikiki neighborhood with an opportunity to discuss the issues important to their community.

Hirono has missed six candidate debates and forums since the Primary Election. In clear contrast, Governor Lingle has committed to over 20 debates and forums around the state.

For immediate release: Sept. 20, 2012

Campaign Manager Bob Lee Releases Statement in Response to New Mazie Hirono Website

“The Hirono campaign’s new website, Clear Choice Hawaii, achieves a new low in Mazie Hirono’s effort to disguise her non-existent record and mask her ineffective leadership. The ‘compare and decide’-like piece is fraught with blatant lies about Governor Lingle and inflated half-truths about Mazie Hirono’s all-talk and no action record. It’s a really sad state of the campaign when Mazie Hirono has to resort to outright lying to the voters in order to convince them to support her.

“The so-called sourcing of the ‘facts’ presented are full of inactive links or reference the campaign’s own previous statements of opinion. In short, the site and it’s content is grounded in very few factual references. The Lingle campaign will be conducting its own fact checks on these statements.”

- Bob Lee
Campaign Manager
Linda Lingle Senate Campaign

Our opponent is busy, pushing out deceptions and trying to confuse voters about this election. This is why it is crucial that we let Mazie Hirono and her Washington operatives know that Hawaii’s U.S. Senate race is about us, the people of Hawaii. Governor Linda Lingle responded to these attacks today, saying the following:

“Despite Mazie Hirono’s best efforts, the people of Hawaii know that this election for the U.S. Senate is about she and I, not Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan, President Obama or Vice President Biden.  Mitt Romney is running his national campaign, and I am running my campaign here at home.  Mazie Hirono’s repeated attempts to nationalize this election are proof that she does not have a record of accomplishment for the people of Hawaii and she must campaign on fear tactics and national party talking points, rather than her own plans for our future.  I am not a rubber stamp for the national party and I am not responsible for the statements of Mitt Romney. With that said, I do not agree with his characterization of all individuals who are receiving government assistance, as I know many of them are driven, hard-working individuals who are actively working to better the situation of their ‘ohana. It is not fair to place these individuals into any one category. The people of Hawaii know I don’t believe in labels and I know they don’t either.” – Linda Lingle

I wanted to take this opportunity to share Governor Lingle’s response to these baseless attacks with you, so together we can remind Hirono that this race is about electing the most effective leader who understands the issues important to the people of Hawaii, and that leader is Governor Lingle.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Aloha friends,

Come join Linda Lingle and her entire campaign team tonight at Laie Elementary School Cafeteria for a blow-out rally to cheer on Linda Lingle to become our next U.S. Senator!

Hundreds will be gathering from all around the North Shore and Windward Oahu areas and this is an event you won’t want to miss! We’ll have free ono food, great door prizes and entertainment!

We will hold it from 6-8 p.m. tonight. Bring your whole family!

If you’re on Facebook, be sure to check out the event listing there: https://www.facebook.com/events/403196329735159/

For more information, or to help out, please contact Grassroots@Lingle2012.com or call 777-8845. See you there!

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

The people of Hawaii and our nation need leaders in Congress who present honest, realistic and effective solutions to our nation’s deficit and debt crisis that will eliminate the need for these automatic budget cuts.

Hirono voted for the Budget Control Act of 2011 which authorized automatic cuts to the federal government totaling an estimated 110 billion dollars for FY 2013. [1] However, as Politico is reporting, the automatic cuts will mean:

“Money for smaller classrooms and after school programs would get the ax. So would funding for border patrol agents, food inspectors and cancer research. But the salaries of members of Congress? Their $174,000 annual take won’t be touched.” [2]

Our state deserves leadership that works for the people of Hawaii, not Washington insiders.

[1] http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll690.xml
[2] http://www.politico.com/blogs/on-congress/2012/09/sequester-cuts-not-for-senate-and-house-salaries-135609.html

NEWS RELEASE: MAZIE HIRONO FLIP FLOPS ON BUDGET CUTS

HONOLULU – Mazie Hirono voted last week to keep in place $1.2 trillion in automatic budget cuts that will hurt Hawaii’s economy and severely impact America’s national security. The cuts include $11 billion in cuts to Medicare providers, including doctors; a $4 billion cut in federal funding for education and a $55 billion cut in defense spending that will directly impact U.S. Pacific Command in Honolulu.

Hirono first voted to put into place the $1.2 trillion in automatic across-the-board budget cuts last year (the “Sequestration”) [1], but in a September 6, 2012 debate with U.S. Senate candidate Linda Lingle, Hirono reversed course and said she was against the cuts.

“That’s what she said, but when she had a chance last week to vote to cancel the cuts, Hirono voted to keep them in place,” [2] Linda Lingle Senate Committee campaign manager Bob Lee said.

“She voted for the budget cuts in the first place, then said in the first debate and in recent media interviews that she opposed the cuts, and then voted again last week to keep the cuts. Mazie has flip flopped twice on this important issue. So, what is Mazie Hirono’s position?” asked Lee.

This question is all the more critical in light of the White House’s own report on the impact of these budget cuts [3].  The report issued Friday states that the mandate would require an immediate 9.4% cut in defense programs and 8.2% reduction in domestic programs. These cuts would directly impact defense spending in Hawaii, home base of the U.S. Pacific Command, which would represent a direct and immediate blow to Hawaii’s already weakened economy.

“These automatic, across-the-board budget cuts were put in place due to Congress’s inability to act on our nation’s deficit and debt crisis.  Mazie Hirono’s recent flip-flopping on the issue is no surprise as she and her colleagues did nothing to address these looming issues for her six years in Congress. She took the easy way out by voting for the sequestration – what she now calls a “meat axe” approach – but still does not have a serious plan to deal with the nation’s deficit and debt crisis,” Bob Lee added.

“The people of Hawaii and our nation need leaders in Congress who, instead of playing flip-flopping games that solve nothing, present realistic and effective solutions to our nation’s deficit and debt crisis that will eliminate the need for these automatic budget cuts.  Mazie Hirono does not have these solutions,” General Lee concluded.

SOURCING:

[1] http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll690.xml
[2] http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2012/roll573.xml
[3] http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/legislative_reports/sequestration

Aloha friends,

What a game yesterday! Great job by our Warriors in snagging a big home victory, a 54-2 win over Lamar, evening their record at 1-1 and giving new head coach Norm Chow his first win as a UH head coach. Great going team!

Our team is also seeing increased momentum as Election Day gets closer and closer. Nov. 6 is right around the corner, and with absentee voting starting before then, it really underscores how quickly we need your help in getting involved and we need it now.

Can you come in to Headquarters, any day this week, from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and donate your time for phone banking? Gov. Lingle truly appreciates any amount you can spare, and your help will be critical in identifying our supporters so that we can make sure they vote on Election Day. It’s the way to victory, and you can help us get there. Contact Grassroots@Lingle2012.com to find out more.

For several months, Mazie Hirono has refused to debate Governor Lingle on the neighbor islands, even though this is a once-in-a-generation election. Today the Maui News wrote, “After all, the winner of this election will be representing us in the United States Senate and arguing for Hawaii’s interests in a Capitol full of skilled debaters.”

If you haven’t read the editorial in yesterday’s paper, take a look: Reconsider, Rep. Hirono.

While Hirono continues to duck debates, miss votes, and show complete disregard for the neighbor islands, Governor Lingle is meeting face to face with the people of Hawaii, across the state. Just yesterday she met with local sportsmen, and, later, the native Hawaiian community in Hilo.

Check out a complete list of the 20 debates Governor Lingle has committed to: Debate Schedule.

Please continue to stay engaged and supportive, and help us spread the word. And please find a way to join us for fun at Headquarters – there’s always ono snacks and food, friendly folks, and it’s for a great cause – shaping our future, making it brighter, and helping elect Linda Lingle as our next U.S. Senator.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

By The Maui News

It was disappointing to read that Rep. Mazie Hirono has decided not to debate former Gov. Linda Lingle on the Neighbor Islands before the November election for U.S. Senate.

A story in yesterday’s Maui News said that Hirono has decided that four televised debates will reach a statewide audience. That apparently should suffice.

We have always enjoyed seeing candidates, head to head, in person. Explaining why she had declined to participate in a debate sponsored by the Maui Chamber of Commerce, Hirono said that members of the board of the chamber had donated money to her opponent in the past so she did not believe she had a chance to gain the group’s endorsement.

The debate was to be open to the public, so that should have been the audience Hirono wanted to reach – not the chamber board.

When we served on the chamber board, it sponsored a well-attended debate between then gubernatorial candidates Neil Abercrombie and Mufi Hannemann. The moderator was former Maui News City Editor Edwin Tanji – and it would have been hard to find a fairer, more objective person for the job.

We hope that Hirono will change her mind and agree to debate Lingle not just here on Maui, but on the other Neighbor Islands as well. It is an important election and the voters deserve to see their debating styles in person.

After all, the winner of this election will be representing us in the United States Senate and arguing for Hawaii’s interests in a Capitol full of skilled debaters. The voters – even Neighbor Islanders – deserve to see the competitors in action.

* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.

Aloha and welcome to the weekend,

With our country in such a dire situation, our economy on the ropes, and millions of people unemployed across our nation, we cannot afford to stay mired in gridlock, drawn along political party lines.

The time is well past when we must set aside our political party allegiances and come together on those areas where we can all find agreement – the area where common-sense ideas that benefit us all turn into successful solutions.

Linda Lingle has always been that type of leader who doesn’t care which political party or figure is behind a proposal or plan: She only cares whether it’s good for the people of Hawaii. And it’s that quality that has seen a surge of momentum, including among Independent and traditionally Democrat voters, recognize her and declare they will be voting for her because she is the clear choice for Hawaii’s next U.S. Senator.

Click here to watch a new video spot that includes personal testimonials from these community leaders from across our state. And be sure to share this video with all your friends, by e-mail or via Facebook or Twitter. Let’s get the word out that Linda Lingle appeals across party lines because of her bold leadership, independent views, and ability to work across party lines to find common-sense solutions to the challenges we face.

Have a great day.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

P.S.: A special mahalo to all of you who gave me warm birthday wishes yesterday. It was indeed a great day, full of good cheer, and I look forward to many more with all of you, my friends!

Linda Lingle puts “people first” and that appeals to Democrat and Independent voters statewide.

Aloha and Happy Aloha Friday,

Your enthusiasm has driven the momentum thus far.

And with only 54 days until Election Day, we will be hosting rallies for Governor Lingle across Oahu and in your neighborhoods. Check out the schedule below and mark your calendars! And please share this information with your friends – send them to our website, or direct them to our Facebook page for more information.

Together, we will move forward to victory on November 6th! Look forward to seeing you soon!

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

OAHU RALLY SCHEDULE

Laie – September 18 – 6:00-8:00 p.m. – Laie Elementary School

Mabuhay! Rally in Kalihi – September 27 – 5:30-8:00 p.m. – Farrington High School Cafeteria

Kailua – October 2 – 6:00-8:00 p.m. – Kailua High School Cafeteria

Mililani – October 3 – 6:30-8:00 p.m. – Mililani High SChool Cafeteria

Hawaii Kai – October 6 – 6:00-8:00 p.m. – Kaiser High School Cafeteria

Kapolei/Ewa – October 9 – 6:00-8:00 p.m. – Ewa Makai Middle School Cafeteria

Leeward – October 12 – 6:30-8:00 p.m. – Nanakuli High and Intermediate School Cafeteria

For Immediate Release: September 14, 2012

MAUI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ENDORSES GOVERNOR LINDA LINGLE FOR U.S. SENATE

HONOLULU – The Maui Chamber of Commerce officially endorsed Governor Linda Lingle for Hawaii’s open U.S. Senate seat today. Governor Lingle participated in a candidates’ forum in August as part of the Chamber’s endorsement process. Lingle’s opponent, Mazie Hirono, did not attend the forum.

“I’m honored to have the support of the Maui Chamber of Commerce and the many businesses they represent. The Chamber represents a diverse group of business and community leaders whom I have worked with since my days on the Maui County Council and during my two terms as Maui’s Mayor. These business owners are looking for our government to restore much-needed certainty and confidence in our nation’s economy,” said Governor Lingle.

“I’m committed to working on their behalf, and ensuring that the people of Maui have a strong, independent voice representing them in the U.S. Senate,” Lingle added.

“Since her time as a Councilwoman and as Mayor of Maui, Governor Lingle has been a strong supporter of our island businesses,” said Maui Chamber of Commerce President Pamela Tumpap. “We are energized by her solid plans to support the people of Hawaii in Washington, the businesses they represent, and her commitment to stay connected with the people of Maui by implementing a Maui-specific advisory board.

“Linda Lingle knows how important it is to be in touch with those she represents and, most importantly, she truly values people’s input. It means a lot to us to know that she is already putting a system in place to keep the lines of communication open so that she can be more available and responsive to the people of Hawaii and not let geographical barriers hinder her leadership,” Tumpap added.

Governor Lingle has also been endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest federation of over 3 million businesses. To read more about her plans for jump-starting the economy and creating jobs, please visit the following link: http://www.lingle2012.com/jobs-economy/

Follow the campaign on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Lingle2012, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Lingle2012, on YouTube at www.YouTube.com/Lingle2012, and on LL12, channel 110 or LL12 HD, channel 1110 on Oceanic Time-Warner Digital Cable.

# # # #

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) faced a budget cut of $4.6 million to the Tsunami Warning Network, the House instead chose to strengthen the U.S. Tsunami Warning Network by including $23,466,000 for NOAA’s Tsunami Program, which was $4,554,000 above the budget request. [1] The important legislation enjoyed bipartisan support, yet Hirono voted against it. [2]

[1] http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/cp2gpo.script/http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CRPT-112hrpt463/pdf/CRPT-112hrpt463.pdf

[2] http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2012/roll249.xml

For Immediate Release: September 13, 2012

HIRONO VOTED AGAINST FUNDING THE TSUNAMI WARNING NETWORK

HONOLULU – U.S. Senate candidate Mazie Hirono earlier this year voted against funding the Tsunami Warning Network that provides Hawaii with early tsunami detection and warnings. The high-tech buoy network faced $4.5 million in cuts in February, and Hirono opposed bipartisan House legislation to fully fund the critical system for FY2013 [1].

“Hirono voted against the best interest of our state – a state in a Tsunami high-risk zone – and against one of our most important life-saving tools, by voting against fully funding the Tsunami Warning Network,” said former Director of Hawaii Civil Defense and Linda Lingle Campaign Manager Bob Lee.

Despite Hirono’s disregard for her constituency, the House of Representatives voted to strengthen the Tsunami Warning Network by reinstating full funding for education and awareness programs of the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program, and DART buoy network maintenance for FY 2013 [2], according to Lee.

“Hirono continues to demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the critical issues facing Hawaii, putting the people of Hawaii at an unnecessary risk. When push comes to shove, Mazie Hirono does not stand up for what is best for Hawaii,” Lee added.

“Conversely, through Governor Lingle’s leadership, Hawaii vastly improved its state civil defense operations. In 2005, Hawaii became the first state in the nation to earn the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service StormReady and TsunamiReady designations. Through the StormReady and TsunamiReady programs, Hawaii became better prepared to protect the lives and property of its residents and visitors during severe weather events. This readiness was aptly demonstrated in the safe and timely evacuations for our coastline communities statewide during the Chile Tsunami of February 27, 2010 and during the Japan (Tohoku) tsunami of March 11, 2011,” Lee concluded.

Sourcing:

[1] Committee Report (available at: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/cp2gpo.script/http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CRPT-112hrpt463/pdf/CRPT-112hrpt463.pdf). ; Text of Legislation (available at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112hr5326eh/pdf/BILLS-112hr5326eh.pdf).

[2] Roll Call Vote (available at: http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2012/roll249.xml).

# # # #

HIRONO VOTED AGAINST FUNDING
THE TSUNAMI WARNING NETWORK

HONOLULU – U.S. Senate candidate Mazie Hirono earlier this year voted against funding the Tsunami Warning Network that provides Hawaii with early tsunami detection and warnings. The high-tech buoy network faced $4.5 million in cuts in February, and Hirono opposed bipartisan House legislation to fully fund the critical system for FY2013 [1].

“Hirono voted against the best interest of our state – a state in a Tsunami high-risk zone – and against one of our most important life-saving tools, by voting against fully funding the Tsunami Warning Network,” said former Director of Hawaii Civil Defense and Linda Lingle Campaign Manager Bob Lee.

Despite Hirono’s disregard for her constituency, the House of Representatives voted to strengthen the Tsunami Warning Network by reinstating full funding for education and awareness programs of the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program, and DART buoy network maintenance for FY 2013 [2], according to Lee.

“Hirono continues to demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the critical issues facing Hawaii, putting the people of Hawaii at an unnecessary risk. When push comes to shove, Mazie Hirono does not stand up for what is best for Hawaii,” Lee added.

“Conversely, through Governor Lingle’s leadership, Hawaii vastly improved its state civil defense operations. In 2005, Hawaii became the first state in the nation to earn the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service StormReady and TsunamiReady designations. Through the StormReady and TsunamiReady programs, Hawaii became better prepared to protect the lives and property of its residents and visitors during severe weather events. This readiness was aptly demonstrated in the safe and timely evacuations for our coastline communities statewide during the Chile Tsunami of February 27, 2010 and during the Japan (Tohoku) tsunami of March 11, 2011,” Lee concluded.

Sourcing:

[1] Committee Report (available at: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/cp2gpo.script/http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CRPT-112hrpt463/pdf/CRPT-112hrpt463.pdf). ; Text of Legislation (available at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112hr5326eh/pdf/BILLS-112hr5326eh.pdf).

[2] Roll Call Vote (available at: http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2012/roll249.xml).

# # # #

Aloha friends,

It’s Thursday, and as time quickly runs away from us with Friday and the weekend approaches, it brings to mind a larger parameter: There are just 55 days left until Election Day.

55.

We are running out of tomorrows, folks, and that should underscore in all of our minds how critical it is to jump aboard this campaign, volunteer, and help us elect Linda Lingle as our next U.S. Senator.

Click here now to register online with the Lingle Campaign as a volunteer.

To win, we need your help. It’s as simple as that. Victory depends on all of us pulling together and working hard over these next 55 days. We need you out sign waving, we need you here at Headquarters phone banking, we need you out at our rallies and other events, and we need you spreading the word on Facebook and Twitter.

We can do this. You can be that difference. But it must start TODAY. Because tomorrow is a precious commodity that we are quickly running out of.

IMUA!

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Day 55: With no specific plan to reduce our nation’s deficit, a problem Moody’s has warned could result in another credit downgrade for the United States, Hirono is endangering our economy and the well-being of Hawaii’s families.

For immediate release: September 12, 2012

HIRONO REFUSES TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL
NEIGHBOR ISLAND FORUMS AND DEBATES

HONOLULU – Mazie Hirono is refusing to debate Governor Linda Lingle on all of the neighbor islands, depriving people across the state of a chance to evaluate the U.S. Senate candidates side-by-side on the issues important to their communities.

“Hirono’s disrespect for neighbor island residents is a sign of arrogance,” Lingle Campaign Manager Bob Lee said. “How can people trust her to represent them in the United States Senate when she isn’t willing to defend her ideas?” Lee asked.

“I guess she doesn’t want to have to explain why she hasn’t passed even one bill during her six years in Congress and why she failed to show up for work and missed 133 votes since January while Hawaii’s other congresswoman missed only one vote,” Lee added.

Hirono has missed five candidate debates and forums since the Primary Election.

In clear contrast, Governor Lingle has committed to over 20 debates and forums around the state, including three on Maui, one on Kauai and two on the Big Island.

The only debate before a live audience Hirono agreed to for the entire campaign was hosted last week by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and various partner organizations, and will be aired on Olelo Community Television on September 13 at 8:30 p.m. (VIEW 54), September 16 at 10:30 a.m.(VIEW 54), September 19 at 4:30 p.m. (FOCUS 49) and September 30 at 8:00 a.m. (VIEW 54).

A complete video of the forum is also available on LL12, channel 110 or LL12HD, channel 1110 on Oceanic Time-Warner Digital Cable, or online at: http://www.lingle2012.com/2012/09/forum-between-mazie-hirono-and-gov-linda-lingle/.

# # # #

Aloha friends,

If it seems to you that Mazie Hirono is late to the game on the important economic issue of tourism, you’re not alone. In a primary election forum, even Ed Case was asking the question, What has Hirono been doing for the past six years?

During that HLTA forum, Hirono constantly referred to her advocacy of visa waivers and her sponsorship of the VISIT USA Act, which Hawaii voters know have resulted in all talk and no action.

Before Hirono even stepped foot in Washington, D.C. as a Congresswoman, Lingle had taken concrete, measurable action by making official trips to China and the Republic of Korea to expand Hawaii’s business, educational, and cultural opportunities.

Hawaii voters know they have someone in Linda Lingle who has a long, successful record of accomplishment on tourism-related issues, benefiting our economy. And she has the vision and plan to build on that success if she is elected to become our next U.S. Senator.

Just some of the action that Linda Lingle has taken:

She was the first Hawaii Governor to ensure tourism was managed at the executive level of state government. In her first year in office Governor created a cabinet-level statewide tourism liaison and immediately set her sights on the difficult task of making it easier for Asian tourists to travel to Hawaii and the rest of the United States.

She met with Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge to open a dialogue for a new multiple-entry visa for visitors to the United States, as well as additional money for embassies to process visa applications. As the Honolulu Advertiser noted, “The highest-priority proposal from Lingle is for a visa that would allow multiple entries for at least a year to 18 months to anywhere in the United States.”

She traveled with state and business leaders to South Korea where she met with South Korea’s foreign minister on this very subject. During the trip to South Korea, the Lingle Administration led a 50-member delegation of Hawaii state officials and business leaders to promote travel to our islands and better understand the visa application procedure Korean citizens face in order to visit the United States. After personally visiting the U.S. Embassy and experiencing the lengthy process, in 2005 the Lingle Administration focused on developing a special policy with the U.S. Embassy in Seoul to give preferential visa reviews to Korean citizens who hoped to celebrate their honeymoons in Hawaii.

Talk is cheap, and that’s all Mazie Hirono can do at this point, having not seen a single one of her 49 sponsored bills become law in the 6 years she’s been in Congress.

Linda Lingle is the clear choice for U.S. Senate, with her proven record of success in achieving common-sense solutions to the challenges we face.

Enjoy your day, and until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

They said it: “I think it was well known tourism was important to Hawaii and the China tourism market was a booming possibility. . . What took you so long to introduce that bill? Why did it take four years and 11 months to introduce the bill?”(Ed Case on Hawaii Public Radio, June 13, 2012).

Hirono has constantly referred to her advocacy of visa waivers and her sponsorship of the VISIT USA Act, implying that it was an original idea she proposed. The fact is, on November 3, 2011, two weeks after Senators Schumer and Mike Lee first introduced the legislation in the U.S. Senate, and three weeks after Governor Lingle announced her candidacy for Hawaii’s open U.S. Senate seat, Hirono copied the bill and introduced it in the U.S. House. Thus far, the bill is in committee and has resulted in no action. [1]

[1] Library of Congress. http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d112:1:./temp/~bdB5Kz::/home/LegislativeData.php

Aloha and welcome to Tuesday,

Today is a hallowed day in our nation’s history: It’s the day we pause and remember the sacrifice made by almost 3,000 people on a day evil tried, and failed, to cripple our nation’s strength and honor.

Out of that time, we saw our country pull together in a way rarely seen in our nation’s history. The greatness of our country is often seen in the way we all pull together during calamitous times, and the days following 9/11 were no exception.

Today, take a moment to reflect on this quality of our country, and think about the lives lost and how we can best honor them: By always pulling together, finding our strength in unity, and persevering against the many challenges we face this day.

For Gov. Lingle’ statement on the anniversary of 9/11, please click here.

Enjoy your day. Until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

For Immediate Release: September 11, 2012

     GOVERNOR LINDA LINGLE RECOGNIZES THE ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

HONOLULU – Former Governor Linda Lingle, candidate for Hawaii’s open U.S. Senate seat, released the following statement, recognizing the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

“Eleven years ago, our lives came to a standstill on the morning of September 11th. In the wake of the tragic attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93, our world seemed to become a colder, darker place.

“However, all Americans drew inspiration from the incredible men and women like the first responders who laid their lives on the line that fateful morning. We stood united and bravely sent a message to terrorists around the world: we will not be broken.

“The attacks of 9/11 have certainly changed our lives forever. Our resolve in the aftermath of the horrific acts of terror showed the strong bond we have for each other, especially when it matters most. And, this bond reinforced to the world that our strength lies in our unity as Americans.

“I encourage everyone to reserve a moment of time today to think back to this day in history, paying respect to the thousands of our fellow citizens who lost their lives that fateful day.

“As we remember back to that tragic day, and our resolve in the days and years following ’9/11′, I am thankful for the unwavering American spirit in all of us, and the bastion of freedom and democracy our nation maintains to this day.”

Linda Lingle

Hirono has now missed 130 (23%) of the House votes taken this year. [1]

For immediate release: September 9, 2012

GOVERNOR LINGLE PROVIDES CLEAR CHOICE ON JOB CREATION

HONOLULU – Former Governor Linda Lingle, candidate for Hawaii’s open U.S. Senate seat, responded today to the weak August jobs report by calling for Congress to exercise leadership to resolve the nation’s fiscal crisis which is acting as the barrier to job creation. Lingle also called for Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, a current member of Congress, to answer for the 40,000 unemployed in Hawaii and 12.5 million unemployed across the country with a real plan to put our people back to work. [1]

“Friday’s weak jobs report is another indictment of how the 112th Congress, with a deservedly abysmal approval rating, has failed to deal with our nation’s fiscal crisis. And it is more bad news for Hawaii’s middle-class families who are struggling to get by each and every day. Hawaii’s small business owners are also hurting because they have lost faith in our federal government’s ability to reinstate certainty and confidence in our nation’s economy,” said Governor Lingle.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the unemployment rate fell to 8.1 percent from 8.3 percent, but for the wrong reason – more people have given up looking for work and therefore were not counted in the government’s calculation. [2] Friday’s report also signaled a new low – the percentage of Americans in the workforce dropped to 63.5%, its lowest level in 31 years.

“At the same time, it is estimated that U.S. corporations hold $3 trillion in cash, more than three times the amount the federal government spent on the ‘stimulus’ package,“ said Governor Lingle. “That is capital businesses could be using to invest, to expand and to hire more workers. But these businesses are not investing or hiring because they do not have confidence in an economy laboring under record federal deficits and debt and which is facing a ‘fiscal cliff’ in January of next year.”

The United States national debt last week hit a record $16 trillion and our nation is facing the imminent threat of another recession caused by the $1.2 trillion in automatic federal spending cuts and across-the-board tax increases to take place in January. Mazie Hirono and the partisan Congress have failed to solve our country’s financial crisis.

“In clear contrast to Hirono’s status quo approach, I believe that creating jobs starts with restoring business and consumer confidence in America’s economy. If elected the next United States senator, I will immediately advocate and work on substantially eliminating the tax loopholes and special tax treatment that result in $1.1 trillion a year in revenue loss to the federal government. I will also work toward a bipartisan tax reform of the kind called for by the President’s own Simpson-Bowles Commission, which reform could result in $80 to $180 billion in additional revenues to the federal government. That tax reform will also result in lower taxes across-the-board for all taxpayers, and more hard-earned money kept in households’ pockets to spur economic activity and job creation. Finally, I will advocate for annual spending caps on federal discretionary spending which could result in approximately $2 trillion of savings by 2020.”

“Medicare and Social Security, which are not included in discretionary spending, would be reformed to ensure longer-term viability, while keeping promises made to seniors and those near-retirement,” added Governor Lingle.

“Congress needs to reach an immediate agreement on concurrently tackling these major drivers of our deficit and debt and avoiding the fiscal cliff. Only when businesses see that our federal government finances are on a firm and stable footing will they have the confidence to invest their $3 trillion in cash reserves to expand their operations, make new investments and hire more people.”

Mazie Hirono’s only “plan” to address this serious fiscal crisis is to “tax the rich”, eliminate “subsidies for big oil” – which make up only $2.5 billion of the $1.1 trillion a year in total tax subsidies – and finding unspecified “Medicare fraud and abuse.” This is not a serious plan to address a serious national crisis. This is not a plan that will create the certainty and confidence to put the 12.5 million Americans looking for work back to work.

Besides restoring confidence through a sound budgetary and fiscal approach, Governor Lingle has common-sense proposals to immediately create jobs through federal policies that increase tourism, energy efficiency investments and increased exports, all of which can be accomplished with little or no additional federal spending. For details, see http://www.lingle2012.com/jobs-economy/, http://www.lingle2012.com/visitor-industry/, http://www.lingle2012.com/apec/, http://www.lingle2012.com/energy-hawaii/.

Additional information on the Linda Lingle Senate campaign is available at www.lingle2012.com or on LL12, channel 110 or LL12HD, channel 1110 on Oceanic Time-Warner Digital Cable. Follow the campaign on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Lingle2012, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Lingle2012, and on YouTube at www.YouTube.com/Lingle2012.

[1] http://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.hi.htm
[2] http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf

# # # #

Aloha everyone,

I hope you all are having a terrific weekend. Some spots on Oahu were the beneficiaries of some torrential downpours; but in Honolulu at Ala Moana Beach Park, all the supporters who turned out enjoyed some beautiful weather, ono grinds, and good fellowship and talk story with Linda Lingle.

We just posted the full, uncut video from the U.S Senate Candidates Forum on Thursday, hosted by the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Association of Realtors, Hawaii Restaurant Association, Hawaii Society of Business Professionals, Hawaii Independent Insurance Agents Association, and the Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii. Click here to watch it.

Also, as you watch it, perhaps some statements might stand out to you as a little dubious, stretching the truth, or simply incorrect. That’s what we thought too. So we went the extra step to get you the TRUTH and set the record straight. Click on the icon below to read about 10 Fact Checks out of Thursday’s Forum.

I hope your weekend continues to be terrific, and until next time.

All my best,

Bob Lee
Campaign Manager
Linda Lingle Senate Committee

The Bureau of Labor Statistics today reported the unemployment rate fell to 8.1 percent from 8.3 percent, but for the wrong reason – more people have given up looking for work and therefore were not counted in the government’s calculation.[1] With these poor jobs figures, and our national debt exceeding $16 trillion, Mazie Hirono and the partisan Congress have brought us to the brink without any realistic plan to avert this crisis.

[1] http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf

Happy Aloha Friday,

Yesterday, at the Japanese Cultural Center in Honolulu, Governor Linda Lingle participated in the first of five debates with Mazie Hirono.

While Governor Lingle displayed a clear understanding of the important issues facing our state, and has a proven record of accomplishments as an effective, independent leader, Hirono showed an astonishing inability to comprehend the complex issues facing our state and nation.

Hirono’s statements – which included few, vague details – point out she is either uninformed or purposefully misleading the public.  Our campaign team won’t allow her falsehoods and inaccuracies to go unchallenged.

Now is the time to stand with Governor Lingle. Join our grassroots effort today! We must let Mazie Hirono know that we will not allow Washington’s inaction to stall our country’s progress anymore.

With just two months to Election Day on November 6, it remains clear that supporters like you will continue to be the driving force and energy to help us set the record straight.

We need your support now more than ever. Will you follow this link to sign up as a member of our grassroots volunteer team?

What Mazie Hirono doesn’t know, is that this election is about us, the people of Hawaii and our future. I hope you will join our efforts in the next two months because you can make the difference on Election Day!

All my best,

Bob Lee
Campaign Manager
Linda Lingle Senate Committee

Aloha and good morning!

Today, like many of you, we at Campaign HQ look forward with great anticipation to today’s Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce Forum between Mazie Hirono and Gov. Linda Lingle. Finally the voters will have an opportunity to evaluate both candidates side-by-side, and make comparisons about where each would lead us if elected to the U.S. Senate.

Today’s event will not be a debate, but a forum — but it’s still a benefit for voters to line the candidates up side-by-side to compare.

What you will learn about are details with Linda Lingle’s plan for Hawaii and our country, ideas on how to improve our country’s jobs, increase economic opportunities, provide common-sense solutions to the challenges we face, the importance of and her ability to act in a bipartisan way, protect Social Security and Medicare and keep the promises made to our kupuna while ensuring the system remains solvent for future generations. You will also hear Gov. Lingle talk about her past record of success, from her years on the Maui County Council, as two-term Mayor Mayor, and of course as our state’s two-term Governor. From Native Hawaiian issues, to increasing tourism, to boosting the economy, to delivering on sound budgeting policies, to spearheading a widespread and prolific robotics program and increasing science, technology, engineering and mathematics education — Gov. Lingle has the edge when it comes to record and a plan for the future.

I’m not sure what we’ll learn about Mazie that we don’t already know: Her background, her blind devotion to political party and unquestioning allegiance to their dictates. You won’t hear anything about the bills she has passed into law (zero), and frankly, she probably won’t want to talk about the 127 votes she’s missed in the past year either. So with a thin resume after six whole years in the 12%-approval Congress, you’re likely to get a heavy dose of political fear-mongering, trying to tie Linda Lingle to the Republican national agenda, and base her whole strategy against attacking Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan — when it’s Linda Lingle that she’s supposed to be campaigning against.

We have a door-to-door walk in Kapolei this Saturday, September 8. We will meet at 0830 at Kapolei Regional Park parking lot, opposite the Kapolei Library on Manawai Street. Wear your Lingle T-hirt: If you do not have one we will have them available. Wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat. We will provide lunch after the walk.

Be sure to contact Roland at (808) 779-1545 or Lloyd at (808) 754-0078. This is a very important walk, as we will be distributing Linda Lingle information and return post card door hangers.

Mahalo in advance for your participation.

Have a great day and until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

With gas prices climbing, Hirono had four chances this summer to cast her vote to increase domestic energy production. Instead they called her name on four votes, and each time they received no response. [1]

Aloha,

First and foremost, I want to remind you all that we need your help on phone banking. Any block of time you can share with us at our Headquarters here at 1505 Dillingham Blvd. will be a HUGE help. Please call Terry Henrion at 729-6140 and let her know when you would like to help

This Thursday, Gov. Lingle is looking forward to the opportunity to present her vision for Hawiai before the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce. Hawaii voters will finally have a chance to evaluate the two visions being offered in this U.S. Senate race for Hawaii: The status quo, dedication to political party loyalty of Mazie Hirono, or a fresh, independent, proven record success of putting Hawaii’s people first, espoused by Linda Lingle.

We think the choice is clear: Linda Lingle will always put Hawaii’s “people first,” ahead of blind political party loyalty.

Enjoy your day.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Aloha,

I hope you had a wonderful Labor Day weekend, and were able to enjoy time with your family. We had a great turnout at HQ here on Oahu yesterday and we already have some dedicated supporters who are coming again tonight as well! We need your help though, so please, if you haven’t already, please call Terry Henrion at 729-6140 and let her know when you would like to help

Linda Lingle recognizes the importance of taking action on the important challenges we face today. This stands in stark contrast to Gov. Lingle’s opponent, Mazie Hirono, who missed 127 votes so far this year, many of them pertaining to important issues like job creation, the environment, and federal support for student loans.

While Hirono is trying to convince voters in Hawaii that she makes a difference in the House, the truth is her colleagues looked to her desk and saw an empty chair far too many times this year. Governor Lingle is committed to going to Washington, D.C. to work day-in and day-out to produce tangible results for all the people of Hawaii.

<a href=”http://www.lingle2012.com/2012/09/do-the-math-2-0/”>See a new campaign spot, just released, by clicking here.</a>

In a live forum on Thursday before the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Hawaii voters will finally get a chance to evaluate these two visions for Hawaii: The status quo, dedication to political party loyalty of Mazie Hirono, or a fresh, independent, proven record success of putting Hawaii’s people first, espoused by Linda Lingle.

Enjoy your day.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

All Talk, No Action: Hirono’s Campaign Talked About Job Creation While Campaigning, in the Same Week Hirono Skipped an Important Vote to Encourage Job Creation.

Many of you will be enjoying a day off today, and I hope those of you fortunate enough area able to enjoy it with family and friends.

If you’re able, I wanted to ask if you’d be willing to come down to our Oahu Headquarters at 1505 Dillingham Blvd. today. The office will be open at 8 a.m. and we plan to start phone banking at 9 a.m. with walk-in volunteers. Our regular scheduled phone banking hours are 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

This is a very important election for Hawai’i and we are looking for dedicated volunteers who want to be part of the solution for a better Hawai’i. Every Lingle volunteer is important, every phone call made is important and your efforts will not go unnoticed. Mahalo to all of you who have contributed your precious time in support of the Governor.

Please call Terry Henrion at 729-6140 and let her know when you would like to help.

Like you, Linda Lingle recognizes the importance of taking action on the important challenges we face today. This stands in stark contrast to Gov. Lingle’s opponent, Mazie Hirono, who missed 127 votes so far this year, many of them pertaining to important issues like job creation, the environment, and federal support for student loans.

While Hirono is trying to convince voters in Hawaii that she makes a difference in the House, the truth is her colleagues looked to her desk and saw an empty chair far too many times this year. Governor Lingle is committed to going to Washington, D.C. to work day-in and day-out to produce tangible results for all the people of Hawaii.

See a new campaign spot, just released, by clicking here.

Enjoy your day.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Just this year, Hirono Missed an important vote to protect our national forests. [1]

Hirono has proven that she is not dedicated to representing the people of Hawaii before our federal government. Just this year, Hirono Missed votes to lower student loan interest rates [1], protect the environment [2], and encourage job creation [3].

Aloha,

Welcome to the weekend! It’s Labor Day weekend, and that means lots of fun, family-oriented activities going on around the state, as well as opportunities for Linda Lingle to reach out to voters, listen to their concerns, and share her ideas for a brighter future.

Friday night we had the privilege of spending time with a special group of young professionals, at a mixer put together by our talented, dedicated Young Leaders Coalition for Linda Lingle. They brought together successful business owners, entrepreneurs and other Hawaii executives, in a room to share ono grinds, talk story, network, and discuss the keys to a successful future.

It was really a treat to get to listen to these bright young minds, so focused on working hard to shape their future, and so engaged in this important election before us. As Governor said, this election is really the most important for them: They’re the ones whose lives will be most impacted by which path we take after Nov. 6, and so they have the most at stake.

Governor was in Mililani yesterday, going door to door to identify supporters, talk story with residents, and spreading the message about where she stands on issues, and what her vision for Hawaii is.

And she had a terrific time at the 30th annual Okinawan Festival at Kapiolani Park! She took in the various cultural displays, andagi stands, Okinawan lions and more, enjoying the opportunity to talk story withe community. Check our Facebook page for pictures from these outings!

Enjoy your day.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

According to the Honolulu Advertiser, “Hawaii’s dependence on imported fuel for electricity has climbed steadily during the past three decades” With energy sustainability and security at top of mind today, Hawaii just can’t afford to send Hirono and her record of inaction to the U.S. Senate. [1]

[1] (Honolulu Advertiser, 02/09/2000).

 A Report by the Chief Medicare Actuary, Richard S. Foster, said that the new health care law would be paid for in part, by cuts to payments to private Medicare Advantage plans: “Cuts in federal payments to private Medicare Advantage plans will ‘result in less generous benefit packages,’ the report said. By 2017, it said, ‘enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans will be lower by about 50 percent, from its projected level of 14.8 million under the prior law to 7.4 million under the new law.’” [2]

Aloha folks,

Good morning and welcome to another fine day. I hope you are having a terrific week, and I have some exciting news I want to share with you.

Gov. Lingle and I visited the North Shore yesterday, and we saw firsthand the momentum, enthusiasm and support out there for her candidacy for U.S. Senate. People on the North Shore remember the good things Governor Lingle did while in office, and they know she has the leadership and integrity they can count on if she’s elected.

At the popular stop by Rainbow Bridge, Haleiwa Joe’s, Governor was pleased to have not one, but two surfing legends (one who would go on to become a widely respected and beloved state Senator): Fred Hemmings and Randy Rarick. For those of you who don’t know, Randy is the executive director of the Triple Crown of Surfing, the world-famous surf contest that happens yearly at Alii Beach, Sunset Beach, and Banzai Pipeline.

You could just tell by the way other attendees gravitated to Randy that his respect along the North Shore communities is strong, and he was there observing. He put an excellent question to Governor though, that I think, perfectly encapsulated what she’s about:

Randy asked if it came to it, if her party was adamantly in favor of, or opposing, a particular piece of legislation, and Linda Lingle felt it was in Hawaii’s best interests to go the opposite way, which path would she choose?

This is exactly the type of concern we see among many voters who are tired of bitter partisan politics playing out around the country. They want elected leaders like Linda Lingle who put “people first” ahead of blind political party loyalty. Folks, we all know Governor’s calling card is her ability to be that independent leader with the courage to say, “No, this is NOT in Hawaii’s best interests, and I will not go along with this just to follow the orders of my political party.”

Linda Lingle is no rubber stamp. She won’t agree with anyone on everything 100% of the time, and so you can count on her to always evaluate a policy or proposal based on one simple precept: Is it good for the people of Hawaii?

Check out pictures from this talk story event on our Facebook page here: FACEBOOK PICTURES.

And have a great day! Until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Hirono voted to implement an Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) that is unelected and is charged with controlling health care costs and possibly rationing Medicare. As the Washington Post described, “beginning with fiscal 2015, if Medicare is projected to grow too quickly, the IPAB will make binding recommendations to reduce spending.” [2]

HONOLULU – HAMPAC, the Political Action Committee of the Hawaii Medical Association (HMA) today announced its endorsement of Governor Linda Lingle for Hawaii’s open U.S. Senate seat.

“The board of the HAMPAC is delighted today to endorse Governor Lingle for the United States Senate. She is clearly committed to advancing affordable, quality health care for all the people of Hawaii and the nation. Governor Lingle is the only candidate that understands the need to ensure we all have access to high quality and affordable health care, while also recognizing the realities facing medical professionals,” said F. Don Parsa, M.D., plastic surgeon at Queens Medical Center and professor at the John H. Burns School of Medicine, representing HAMPAC. “Her leadership is critically needed in Washington as we face challenging times ahead,” Dr. Parsa added.

“I am very grateful for the HAMPAC endorsement, especially at a time when the health care system in our country is at the forefront of public debate. Doctors are on the front lines every day, ensuring that the people of Hawaii are cared for properly,” said Governor Lingle.

“I have demonstrated experience in improving health care for the State of Hawaii and am committed to bringing that same leadership to the national level where I will work with my colleagues to best provide for the health care needs of our state and nation,” Governor Lingle added.

HMA is a local organization of over 1,100 physicians, resident physicians, and medical students in the state of Hawaii. It is dedicated to serving physicians, their patients, and the community through representation, advocacy, and public service.

More information on Governor Lingle’s health care policy can be found online at www.lingle2012.com/healthcare/.

Additional information on the Linda Lingle Senate campaign is available at www.Lingle2012.com. Follow the campaign on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Lingle2012, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Lingle2012, and on YouTube at www.YouTube.com/Lingle2012.

# # # #

Aloha folks,

I hope your weekend is going great. Gov. Lingle had a great time meeting with enthusiastic supporters in Hilo yesterday and is continuing her Big Island visit in Kona today. If you’re able to, come down to our Kona HQ today at noon to meet with Linda Lingle and all the wonderful folks on the Kona side of the island. E-mail AndySmith@Lingle2012.com if you have any questions about the event.

I wanted to make sure you knew about a new television spot that’s going up tomorrow. But you can watch it FIRST by clicking here. This new spot highlights her commitment to keeping promises to our kupuna.

Gov. Lingle said it perfectly when she said: “Like my own father who is 87-years-old, millions of Americans have planned for their retirement based on programs they have paid into their entire lives. We must honor the promises we made to Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries and to those nearing that age,” said Governor Lingle. “Our kupuna should not fear that their payments could be stopped or reduced during their lifetimes.”

Have a great rest of your weekend and until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Aloha folks,

Welcome to another weekend. We are down to less than 80 days before Election Day, Nov. 6, and the pace is quickening by the hour, it almost seems.

Governor had a terrific time visiting with folks on Kauai at the Kauai County Farm Bureau Fair yesterday. And today she is spending time with folks on the Big Island. First, she’ll be at a supporters luncheon, rallying the volunteers in Hilo; and on Sunday she’ll spend time with Kona-side supporters.

As we move forward, it’s critically important you stay plugged in on the ground with Grassroots activities. For example, today from 8:30am to about noon, we’ll be canvassing the Kailua neighborhood. Come join us! There will be drinks and lunch provided, and we’ll meet at the Aikahi Park Shopping Center – next to Muddy Waters Cafe, at 25 Kaneohe Bay Dr Kailua, HI 96734.

We’ll be going door to door in District 50, precincts 1 and 2 (Aikahi, Kaimolino, Kailuana, Kainui neighborhoods).  Please wear your Lingle T-shirt. If you don’t have one, we will give you one when you come. If you’re planning on going and helping out, please let Region Chair Noemi Pendleton know, and call her at (808) 382-1736 or email Noemi@Lingle2012.com.

Have a great weekend and until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Here’s what her friend Don Young had to say about it: “The Americans suffering from $4 a gallon gas today must feel like they’re experiencing a sense of deja vu. In 2008, when gasoline prices reached a record high of $4.11 per gallon, the public outcry forced Congress to act. That fall, Congress lifted the offshore drilling ban that had been in place for decades. Three years later, most Americans would likely be shocked to learn that no energy development has happened in these new areas.” [2]

Maui Chamber Candidate Debate – Wednesday 8/15 – 5:00-6:00 PM

YPO/WPO Forum - Thursday 8/16 – 5:30 PM (Senate Debate 5:45-6:45 PM)

Kahala Business Association - Tuesday 8/21 – 11:30 AM-1:00 PM

Kailua Chamber Candidate Night – Thursday 8/23 – 6:00-8:00 PM

General Contractors Association Forum - Wednesday 8/29 – 9-10:30 AM

**Japanese Chamber of Commerce Forum - Thursday 9/6 – 11:30 AM-1:30 PM

SMEI Candidate Forum – Postponed, Date and Time TBD

Kauai Chamber of Commerce - Postponed, Date and Time TBD

Waikiki Neighborhood Board Candidate Night - Thursday  9/20 – 7:00-8:30 PM

West Hawaii US Senate Forum - Sunday 9/23 – 2:00-3:30 PM

Hawaii Lodging & Tourism (at Hilton Hawaiian Village) - Thursday 10/4 – 9:15-10:30 AM

**KHON TV/AARP Debate - Monday 10/8 – 7:00-8:00 PM

OC-16 Debate on National Security - Tueday 10/9 – 7:00-8:00 PM

Waimea Community Association - Wednesday 10/10 – 5:30-6:30 PM

Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber - Friday  10/12 – 8:30-9:30 AM

**KITV Debate - Tuesday 10/16 – 7:00-8:00 PM

Sacred Hearts Panel Discussion - Wednesday 10/17 – 8:30-9:30 AM

**PBS Island Insights Forum - Thursday 10/18 – 8:00-9:00 PM

** KGMB/KHNL/KFVE Debate - Monday 10/22 – 6:30-8:00 PM

**Mazie Hirono has accepted

Hirono touted and voted for the Congressional Progressive Caucus’ budget, which would raise taxes on anyone making over $36,000 per year. [1]

In 2007, MoveOn.org attacked General Petreaus for his Iraq stabilization strategy. The Democrat-controlled U.S. House of Representatives responded by passing a bipartisan resolution condemning MoveOn.org for the shoddy attack. Hirono was one of just 79 House members who voted against the resolution.
[1] We all know that General Petreaus’ strategy worked and turned the tide in Iraq, and President Obama acknowledged this when he handpicked General Petreaus to lead the effort in Afghanistan. [2] Hirono was wrong then, and she is wrong again now.

Aloha folks,

The far-left Democrat machine is busy, pushing out deceptions and trying to confuse voters about Linda Lingle’s strong record in defense of women and women’s rights. Their latest attack revolves around Gov. Lingle’s veto of an emergency contraception law that contained no exemption for religiously affiliated organizations. What they don’t mention is that in the same legislative session, Gov. Lingle signed Act 201, Hawaii’s emergency contraception law.

Unlike SB 658, which would have forced religiously affiliated institutions to go against their beliefs, Act 201 signed by Governor Lingle allowed all pharmacists in our state to dispense emergency contraception without prescriptions, effectively providing greater access to emergency contraceptives. With this Act, Governor Lingle retained her commitment to women’s issues, allowing even more women access while still respecting the rights of religious institutions.

There is no question that Gov. Lingle fully recognizes the importance of sexual assault victims obtaining immediate medical care and has championed tougher laws against those who commit sex crimes.

These Washington-style deceitful political games are not acceptable here at home. Their tactic is to misstate or blur an opponent’s position and then blast that deceit far and wide, hoping it will stick in people’s minds. No basis in fact. No accountability. No challenge of opposition. Just disinformation and flat-out lies.

Contrast that tactic with what Gov. Lingle has been seeking in this General Election, which are frequent and numerous U.S. Senate debates. Mazie Hirono has agreed to five, the first of which will be Sept. 6. With people’s schedules packed and time running short, it is imperative we give them the most opportunities possible to hear both sides of the issue, both candidates’ visions for Hawaii and our future.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

UH students are back in school this week for the fall semester. With so many college students depending on student loans to help finance their educations, it’s troubling to learn that Hirono decided to skip her job she was elected to do, so she could attend a campaign event.

They said it: “Hirono missed vote for campaign event . . . We asked a spokeswoman repeatedly for details on where Hirono was at the time of the vote, but she wouldn’t divulge any specifics other than the congresswoman’s mode of transport (train).” [1] (Civil Beat, 4/30/2012).

“NO SHOW HIRONO” CONGRESSWOMAN HIRONO AVOIDS THIRD U.S. SENATE GENERAL ELECTION FORUM

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle, candidate for Hawaii’s open U.S. Senate seat, participated today in the third General Election U.S. Senate candidate forum at the Kahala Business Association (KBA) at their quarterly meeting. Mazie Hirono once again failed to attend a joint-appearance between herself and Governor Lingle.

Aloha friends,

I hope your week got off to a great start yesterday. This morning I hope you set aside time at 11:30 a.m. to click here and catch the third of the U.S. Senate campaign debates that we will be streaming live online.

Governor Lingle knows that you, Hawaii’s voters, do not have time to personally attend these debates, but the issues that will be discussed are critical, and that you want as much information as possible in order to make the best decision possible in the voting booth. That’s why she has already agreed to a comprehensive list of statewide debates.

Our opponent feels, apparently, that you are not entitled to that same level of information, and she is afraid to put her vision for Hawaii up against Linda Lingle’s. Perhaps she feels that, when viewed side-by-side, you will come to the same conclusion we do: Linda Lingle is the clear choice for U.S. Senate because she has the plan, the vision, and the proven track record to back up success in putting Hawaii’s “people first” in crafting common-sense, bipartisan solutions.

On Sunday, we were ecstatic to read the reaffirmation of support for Linda Lingle for U.S. Senate that came from their op-ed pages in the form of an endorsement. Where as our opposition is spouting out rote partisan lines from Washington, D.C., Gov. Lingle is staying focused on the issues particular to here at home.

So it’s no wonder that a neighbor island media outlet’s editorial staff sees Gov. Lingle as the clear choice for U.S. Senate. As they write:

“Lingle is the most independent politician we’ve ever run into.”

and

“Lingle will put country first and work with anyone – no matter the party – to find the big solutions.”

And isn’t that what we’ve been saying all along? Linda Lingle has always cared about the people of Hawaii, listened to their concerns, and worked on solutions that put their interests first.

So click here to read the entire editorial endorsing Gov. Lingle’s candidacy, and be sure to share it with your friends!

Have a week!

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Day 78. While Hawaii’s defense industry is fighting future budget cuts, Hirono didn’t even bother to show up to vote on the 2013 defense funding bill.

The defense industry composes approximately 18% of Hawaii’s economy.[1] With the prospect of deep cuts in Hawaii, defense contractors are “looking at how to do business . . . elsewhere.”[2] With so much at stake for the people of Hawaii, it is unconscionable to learn that Hirono was nowhere to be found when the House was voting on next year’s defense funding.[3] We simply cannot afford to have someone representing Hawaii if they won’t even show up to represent our local job creators.

[1]Military Spending Linked to 18% of Hawaii’s Economy, Rand Corporation Press Release (06/01/2011).
[2] No Increase in Defense Work During Fiscal 2013, Pacific Business News (06/22/2012).
[3] Roll Call Vote No. 498 – H.R. 5856, Clerk of the House of Representatives (available at:http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2012/roll498.xml).

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle, candidate for Hawaii’s open U.S. Senate seat, released the following statement after Missouri Rep. Todd Akin’s weekend statement.

“Rep. Akin’s comments are reprehensible and offensive. Sexual assault and abuse of any form is physically and emotionally damaging and cannot be categorized as Congressman Akin has tried to do. His comments are deplorable and are not representative of any mainstream views, including my own.”

Aloha and welcome to the start of a new week,

As the title of my blog post reads, the momentum is building. And the latest sign of that comes from The Maui News.

Yesterday we were ecstatic to read the reaffirmation of support for Linda Lingle for U.S. Senate that came from their op-ed pages in the form of an endorsement. Where as our opposition is spouting out rote partisan lines from Washington, D.C., Gov. Lingle is staying focused on the issues particular to here at home.

So it’s no wonder that a neighbor island media outlet’s editorial staff sees Gov. Lingle as the clear choice for U.S. Senate. As they write:

“Lingle is the most independent politician we’ve ever run into.”

and

“Lingle will put country first and work with anyone – no matter the party – to find the big solutions.”

And isn’t that what we’ve been saying all along? Linda Lingle has always cared about the people of Hawaii, listened to their concerns, and worked on solutions that put their interests first.

So click here to read the entire editorial endorsing Gov. Lingle’s candidacy, and be sure to share it with your friends!

Have a great start to your week.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Day 79. Endorsement by The Maui News.

They said it: “we think [Governor Lingle's] opponent is too ideologically rigid to make the bipartisan compromises necessary to correct the country’s debt and deficit problems.” (The Maui News, 08/19/2012)

By The Maui News

It is amusing to see commercials on television saying that former Gov. Linda Lingle will be a pawn of Republican leaders if she is elected to the United States Senate.

Lingle is the most independent politician we’ve ever run into. She certainly hasn’t had a lot of practice being beholden to the GOP here because one could make a fairly strong argument that there isn’t a Republican Party in Hawaii.

There’s the Democrats and, well, Lingle. Oh, sure, we have a token Republican in the state Senate and a few in the state House, but they are just there for window dressing – they have no power. Maui’s lone GOP state House member is there because his Democratic opponent in the last election had an error in judgment and backed a friend who was charged with a sexual indiscretion.

Oh, sure, you’ll see your occasional Charles Djou and Duke Aiona on television, but nobody gives them the key to the car. They let Djou take the U.S. District 1 House seat for a spin in the special election when Neil Abercrombie resigned, but it was a fluke. His two Democratic opponents split that party’s vote and let Djou go to Washington for a few months.

No, Lingle is the only Republican who is taken seriously statewide. And it is because she is so independent, so hard to button hole. Oh, and did we forget to mention, forthright. Lingle actually tells people what she is thinking.

We didn’t agree with everything Lingle did as governor. But she never promised one thing and did another.

The former governor says she wants to go to Washington to work across party lines to find solutions to the country’s big problems. She also wants to fight for Hawaii – make it easier for resident of the Far East to vacation in our islands, for instance.

As we’ve expressed previously, we think her opponent is too ideologically rigid to make the bipartisan compromises necessary to correct the country’s debt and deficit problems. Lingle will put country first and work with anyone – no matter the party – to find the big solutions.

There’s a reason Lingle has been successful. Put succinctly, it is because she is smart, moderate and honest. She is just what Hawaii needs in our next United States senator.

Aloha friends,

I hope your weekend has been going terrific. We had a great Saturday that continued on the momentum we’ve seen come out of the positive response in Gov. Lingle’s forums.

As you know, these forums were intended to be “debates,” but Mazie Hirono has decided she doesn’t feel it’s necessary for Hawaii voters to hear the candidates’ stances on the issues, or be able to compare the differing visions side-by-side.

Gov. Lingle feels differently: She knows you have precious little time in your daily lives, scrambling to pay the bills while holding down your jobs — or for those less fortunate, scrambling to FIND a job to pay your bills. She wants to make as many opportunities as possible in these next two-plus months for you to make it easy for you to be informed and make the best decision on the U.S. Senate.

We’re glad that Hirono has finally committed to appear at a debate with Gov. Lingle on Sept. 6 before the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce.

But before that happens, there’s a chance to debate this week – Tuesday, before the Kahala Business Association. As of it, Hirono is uncommitted, but hopefully she will come around and have the courage to stand next to Linda Lingle and give the voters a clear picture of what they will get.

I hope your Sunday goes wonderfully, and until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Day 80. Hirono hasn’t shown up for work in 2012:

Since January of this year, Hirono has missed 127 votes, about 23 percent of the 555 votes (127) that she was supposed to be casting on our behalf. Colleen Hanabusa, who represents Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District missed just one vote in 2012.”[1] (Fact Check: TRUE – Hirono Missed 127 Votes In Congress This Year, Honolulu Civil Beat).

HIRONO WILL PUSH FOR NEW FEDERAL MANDATE IF ELECTED, SHOWS HER LACK OF UNDERSTANDING

HONOLULU – Campaign Manager Bob Lee released the following statement regarding Mazie Hirono’s energy policy.

“Mazie Hirono’s pledge earlier this week to impose a top-down, national renewable energy standard if elected to the United States Senate shows her lack of understanding about energy issues,” Linda Lingle for Senate Campaign Manager Bob Lee said.

Lee was commenting on a speech Hirono delivered earlier in the week at the Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo (APCESE), an event that began while Linda Lingle was governor.

“Any successful renewable energy standard must be based on the specific resources of a state or region,” Lee explained. “Her plan to impose a new, Washington, D.C. mandate just doesn’t make sense,” he added.

“Hirono doesn’t understand that energy policy is primarily the responsibility of the states, which are on the front lines of how electricity is generated, distributed and utilized,” Lee said.

“Currently, 30 states, including Hawaii, have their own renewable energy standards, and now she wants to wipe those out and impose a big-federal-government, one-size-fits-all standard,” he explained.

“This reflects both her well-known preference for a larger federal government role in the lives of people and businesses, and her shallow knowledge on Hawaii energy issues.”

The State of Hawaii requires that 40% of electricity must come from renewable sources by 2030. This standard was set as part of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) after extensive discussion among elected leaders, energy and environmental groups, utilities and others.

“Unlike other members of Hawaii’s Congressional Delegation, Hirono played no substantive role in the HCEI process,” Lee said.

“Only now that she is running for U.S. Senate does Hirono want the people of Hawaii to believe she is the ‘energy’ candidate, but her record tells a much different story,” he added.

“During her 22 years as a state legislator and Lt. Governor, Hawaii’s dependence on imported oil and coal increased, and she did not introduce or implement any significant energy legislation or initiative,” Lee said.

“In contrast, Governor Lingle has demonstrated her commitment and leadership through the bipartisan HCEI effort to put Hawaii on course toward a clean energy future, and executed successful partnerships with the U.S. Dept. of Energy, various branches of the military, utilities and other agencies and organizations.

“As HCEI demonstrated, a renewable energy standard is an important part of an overall energy policy—but it must be determined and driven by states or regions,” Lee concluded.

Happy Aloha Friday,

I know so many of you are feeling relieved and excited that the weekend is upon us. And I know Governor is excited about the wonderful opportunities ahead to talk story with Hawaii voters at a couple of fun events this weekend: The Made in Hawaii Festival at Blaisdell Arena, and Doggie Date Night at Aloha Stadium.

This past week featured the first two opportunities for Linda Lingle to make her case to the voters in this General Election. Both were originally intended to be debates with Mazie Hirono. But her campaign decided they were not interested in giving neighbor island folks their time and attention, nor the people who gathered at McKinley High School on Oahu to listen to their U.S. Senate candidates and hear what each has to offer.

Gov. Lingle, as she has always said, is keeping her campaign focused on the issues, and the people appreciate that. I want to share with you links to watch both of these forums in their entirety. You can watch the McKinley forum in front of the Young Presidents Organization by clicking here.

And click here to watch the entire Maui Chamber of Commerce Forum.

Please share these links with your friends and family so that they can understand where Gov. Lingle stands on the issues, and that she will continue to fight as she always has for common-sense solutions, bipartisanship, and she will do it by putting Hawaii’s “people first.”

Have a great Aloha Friday as we head into the weekend!

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Day 82. No show HiroNO:

In addition to owning the dubious distinction of having zero sponsored bills become law in almost six years, Hirono can chalk up one more zero next to her name: zero debates and forums attended. Since the Primary Election, Governor Lingle has participated in 2 candidate forums where ‘no show Hirono’ declined to attend. Hirono’s inaction in D.C. and here at home make it easy for the people of Hawaii ‘do the math.’ No matter how many zeros Hirono has, the sum remains the same – zero.

HIRONO SCORES ANOTHER ZERO WITH FALSE CLAIM

For immediate release: August 16, 2012

HONOLULU – In response to false accusations from Mazie Hirono, the Linda Lingle Senate Committee released the following statement:

“Mazie Hirono scored another ZERO yesterday when she falsely attacked our campaign for the size of Governor Lingle’s picture in an ad exposing Hirono’s zero-achievement record during her nearly six years in Congress,” Lingle for Senate Campaign Chairman Bob Lee said today.

“Our television version of the ZERO spot does meet the 80% candidate image size as can be seen in the screenshot below.  There is no similar law regarding Internet spots, which means their allegation is baseless and completely false,” Lee said. “Being a lawyer, you would think Hirono would check the law before making such a false claim,” Lee added.

“Frankly, this shows the people of Hawaii that they should question all statements coming from Hirono and her campaign in the next 83 days,” Lee said.

“It’s very telling that Hirono wants to focus on the screen size of the disclaimer on an unpaid Internet version of the ad, instead of the substance of the ad. That’s because they know the substance is 100% true.

“Mazie Hirono has accomplished little in Washington, but has contributed to the poisonous partisan environment that has brought our country to the brink of fiscal collapse.

“Not a single Hirono-sponsored bill has become law since she was elected. With a record like that, no wonder she wants to talk about the percentage of the screen taken up by a disclaimer.

“It’s an old Washington political trick. When you have nothing positive to say about your own record, find a way to distract the voters by attacking your opponent, even if the accusation is completely false,” Lee continued.

“I call on Mazie Hirono personally and her campaign staff to issue a public apology. Let’s keep this election focused, as Governor Lingle has stated, on the issues,” he concluded.

# # # #

Hirono touts her “earmark” record as one of the best in Congress for 2010:

The truth is, in 2010 Hirono obtained a grand total of 4 solo earmarks, which brought home less than $1 million to Hawaii.[1] To put this in perspective – in the same year, Senator Inouye obtained 66 solo earmarks for over $200 million.[2]

.

Aloha friends,

Yesterday, as you may know, was supposed to be the first live debate between Governor Lingle and our opponent Mazie Hirono, in front of the Maui Chamber of Commerce. The invitation was extended to all of the major Primary candidates weeks in advance of Primary Election day, and was accepted promptly by Governor Linda Lingle.

We expected Hirono to be interested in the opportunity to speak on the issues in her own Congressional District, and to discuss her ideas for turning around Hawaii’s struggling economy. We were wrong.

Maui and the neighbor islands are an important part of Hawaii. Hirono’s unwillingness to debate on the neighbor islands is a repeat of her primary election strategy. She did not do even one debate on Kauai or the Big Island.  Governor Lingle has accepted debates on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island.

Even though Mazie was a no-show for the people of Maui, Governor Lingle was grateful for the opportunity to return to her Maui roots where she served as two-term Mayor of Maui County and Councilwoman representing Molokai and Maui.  She shared her plan for Hawaii’s future with the people of the Valley Isle.

We captured this event via livestream to allow as many people as possible to learn more information about where Gov. Lingle stands on the issues. You can watch the full forum by clicking here.

Immediately following her decisive Primary Election Day victory, Governor Lingle accepted invitations to appear in 18 debates and forums in the 86 remaining days before the November 6 General Election, including three statewide television broadcast debates.

For a full rundown of those events, click here.

Have a great Wednesday, and until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

Do the math. It just doesn’t add up:

It didn’t take long to do the math. She sponsored 49 bills between her election in 2006 and 2012, and zero have been passed into law.[1,2,3] We ask the people of Hawaii to join us to ‘do the math.’ It all adds up to zero for our keiki, zero for our kupuna and zero for Hawaii’s working families.

For immediate release: August 14, 2012

HONOLULU – Congresswoman Mazie Hirono has refused to appear at the first scheduled General Election U.S. Senate debate before the Maui Chamber of Commerce in Wailuku. The invitation was extended to all of the major Primary candidates weeks in advance of Primary Election day, and was accepted promptly by Governor Linda Lingle.

Even after a month’s advance notice by the Chamber and an extension of the organization’s deadline, the debate was never accepted by the Congresswoman. Ed Case had accepted the debate invitation weeks ago.

“We expected Hirono to be interested in the opportunity to speak on the issues in her own Congressional District, and to discuss her ideas for turning around Hawaii’s struggling economy. We were wrong,” said Campaign Manager Bob Lee.

“Maui and the neighbor islands are an important part of Hawaii. Hirono’s unwillingness to debate on the neighbor islands is a repeat of her primary election strategy. She did not do even one debate on Kauai or the Big Island.  Governor Lingle has accepted debates on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island.

“Even though Mazie is a no-show for the people of Maui, Governor Lingle is looking forward to returning to her Maui roots where she served as two-term Mayor of Maui County and Councilwoman representing Molokai and Maui.  She will share her plan for Hawaii’s future with the people of the Valley Isle,” Bob Lee added.

With Hirono’s absence, the Maui Chamber of Commerce will instead host a forum with Governor Lingle. Residents are encouraged to attend and ask questions. The forum will be one of many opportunities for the people of Maui to hear from Governor Lingle.

Governor Lingle announced the day after the Primary Election that she has accepted 18 debates and forums, which were offered to all of the candidates during the Primary Election season.

The Maui Chamber of Commerce event will be held on Wednesday, August 15, from 4:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Iao Theater in Wailuku.

They said it: “The question is, presented a change with an R and a status quo Democrat, where are the voters of Hawai’i going to go?” – Ed Case
“I think the voters are perfectly capable of selecting the Republican candidate.” – Ed Case [2]

Aloha and welcome to the start of  new day,

I want to make sure you know about some important events coming up this week. Tomorrow, Governor Lingle will be on Maui for a scheduled debate at the Maui Chamber of Commerce. We’re planning on live streaming this and the entire video will be available on our Oceanic Digital Cable Channel 110 (“LL12″) after the event is pau.

Wednesday, we will be sign waving here at Headquarters on Oahu, and in fact across the state, all of our other Headquarters will be sign waving as well. Be sure to check with your island manager for exact times and locations. We’ll be waving and supporting Linda Lingle for U.S. Senate at Oahu HQ (1505 Dillingham Blvd.) from 4:30-5:30 p.m.

And Saturday is the fun event “Doggie Date Night” at Aloha Stadium. Click here for full event information at this pet-friendly event. Governor is really looking forward to this, as her pet cats hold a special place in her life. The event is free, but parking is $0.50 per person in your vehicle.

Have a great day today, and keep up the energy and enthusiasm as we work to elect Linda Lingle our next U.S. Senator!

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

For immediate release: August 13, 2012

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle, candidate for Hawaii’s open U.S. Senate seat, will launch her new “Voices of Hawaii” radio spots across the state tomorrow. The radio spots are island specific and feature local community leaders from each County. The spots will be airing through the General Election in November.

“Other candidates talk about issues that may turn heads, but Governor Lingle has always focused on the issues that matter. Her candidacy is extra special to the people of Maui, whose interest she has represented for over 30 years,” said Maui resident Tom Phillips, former Police Chief under then-Mayor Lingle, who will be the ‘Voice’ for Maui County. “It is not surprising that the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO), and others who protect the safety of citizens, have endorsed Governor Lingle, because she has always protected them. As a retiree, I’m invested in her, since she always has and always will protect the nest eggs of Hawaii’s kupuna.”

“After working closely with Governor Lingle and her Campaign Manager Bob Lee, former State Adjutant General, I’m confident there is no other candidate as qualified to represent the people of Hawaii in Washington, D.C., and especially the Big Island,” said Waimea resident Ed Texeira, former State Civil Defense Chief, who will be the ‘Voice’ on Hawaii Island. “In the most critical of times, including the 2006 earthquake, Governor Lingle was at the front lines, placing the safety of the people above all else. That is the kind of leader we need.”

“As our current elected leaders participate in the most partisan of politics, refusing to work with one another on the most obvious issues, I was reinvigorated when Governor Lingle told me she was running for the U.S. Senate,” said Kauai resident Annette Baptiste, wife of the late Mayor Brian Baptiste, who will be the ‘Voice’ on Kauai. “My husband and Linda had a great working relationship and a close personal friendship, all based on one common goal: working to better the lives of the people of Hawaii and Kauai.”

“Voices of Hawaii” will be airing on major radio stations across the state through the General Election. Audio of these radio spots can also be heard at lingle2012.com.

Follow the campaign on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Lingle2012, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Lingle2012, on YouTube at www.YouTube.com/Lingle2012, and on LL12, channel 110 or LL12 HD, channel 1110 on Oceanic Time-Warner Digital Cable.

Aloha and good morning!

It’s the start of a new week and a fresh chapter in our effort to elect Linda Lingle as Hawaii’s next U.S. Senate. The stakes couldn’t be higher, but with the tremendous outpouring of support we’ve seen come in from across the state, I know you all are up to the task at hand as we push back not just against our opponent but the entire establishment, national political party operatives in Washington who want to see our status quo opponent continue there.

But with just 12% of people across America approving of the way Congress, which includes our opponent, does their job, you can be sure we will be reminding voters they have a real, proven, independent-minded, successful leader in Linda Lingle who will always put Hawaii’s “people first.”

And we’ll show the people of our state this in a variety of ways, including 18 debates and forums in the 86 remaining days before the November 6 General Election, including three statewide television broadcast debates. For a complete rundown, click here.

Have you seen our running counter of 87 Reasons to say “NO to HiroNO”? Click here to find out even more reasons why Linda Lingle is the clear choice for U.S. Senate. A new reasons will be added each day, so bookmark the page and check back!

Please contact us at Grassroots@Lingle2012.com or call 808-777-8845 to find out how you can join the team and help us to victory! We can’t do it without your strong, effective, grassroots kokua – so call right now!

Have a great day, and until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

They said it: “It’s hard for us to imagine her making the compromises that are going to be needed.”
“Our problem with Hirono is that as one of the most liberal members of Congress it is hard for us to imagine her making the compromises that are going to be needed to deal with problems like Medicare and Social Security reform, as well as reducing deficits and getting the national debt under control.” (Editors, The Maui News)

“My opponent has been, and continues to be a rubber stamp for a national agenda that takes positions that are not in Hawaii’s best interest. She voted against improving trade with South Korea, when she voted against the Free Trade Agreement. She also voted against Hawaii when she voted against the Hawaii Air National Guard having new airplanes – the F-22s.

“We’ve all heard a lot in the past year about the ‘99-percenters’ and the ‘1-percenters.’ I think there’s a new percentage that we need to focus on, and that’s the ‘12-percenters.’ That’s the number of American people who approve of the job that Congress is doing, and my opponent is one of the ‘12-percenters,’” Governor Lingle said.

Governor Lingle also proposed four common-sense solutions that will set a new tone in Washington, a tone that will prove to us that they really do understand the seriousness of the problem, and that they understand how the American people are feeling today about their actions in Washington.

“Number one, make Congress come to work. Right now their schedule is a Tuesday through Thursday schedule, I would propose that they work five days a week, three weeks a month, with one week for them to go home to their districts and talk with the people who sent them to Washington. This year, Mazie Hirono missed 127 votes in Congress. During that same period of time, Congresswoman Hanabusa only missed one vote.

“The second common-sense solution is to pass the ‘No Budget, No Pay Act.’ If Congress doesn’t pass a budget, like they haven’t for the past three years, they don’t get paid.

“The third, cut the total budget of the United States Congress and the White House by 10%. Their budgets have grown by 50 percent between 2000 and 2010. This proposal is in alignment with the President’s Simpson-Bowles Deficit Reduction Commission recommendation.

“Finally, the fourth common sense solution to set a new tone in Washington, is a three year freeze on the pay of the members of United States Congress. The average American’s salary is around $40,000 a year. These members of Congress are getting more than four times that amount with automatic pay increases. We need them to prove to the American people that they understand what we are going through now across the country.

“The stakes in this election are too high to allow these problems to continue. The problems we face today in America, these are not Republican problems and they are not Democrat problems. These are American problems, and we are going to have to come together to get our nation back on track,” Governor Lingle said.

Additional information on the Linda Lingle Senate Campaign is available at www.Lingle2012.com. Follow the campaign on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Lingle2012, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Lingle2012, on www.YouTube.com/Lingle2012, and for Oceanic Digital Cable subscribers, on LL12, channel 110 (1110 for high definition).

For immediate release: Aug. 12, 2012

HONOLULU – Following a decisive Primary Election victory, Governor Linda Lingle, candidate for Hawaii’s open U.S. Senate seat, today announced that she has accepted invitations to appear in 18 debates and forums in the 86 remaining days before the November 6 General Election, including three statewide television broadcast debates.

The debates and forums, which will be held on the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Kauai and Oahu, will give the people of Hawaii an unparalleled opportunity to engage in a discussion about issues facing our state and nation in this once-in-a-generation election. They are sponsored by a cross-section of local organizations and media outlets.

“This is a once-in-a-generation election and I believe the people of Hawaii deserve an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates on issues of local, state, and national importance,” Governor Lingle said. I am hopeful that my opponent will place the same priority on issue-oriented debates starting this coming week. The voters of Hawaii deserve and expect nothing less than a vigorous discussion of the issues facing our state and nation,” Governor Lingle concluded.

While final format details for several events are still being worked on, the following is a list of confirmed events and their organizational hosts:

Click here to see a current list of confirmed debates and forums updated after this news release. 

8/15 Maui Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum

8/16 Young President’s Organization Candidate Forum

8/21 Kahala Business Roundtable

8/23 Kailua Chamber Candidate Night

8/29 General Contractors Association Forum

9/05 KHON Statewide Televised Debate

9/06 Japanese Chamber of Commerce Forum with Hawaii Realtors, Hawaii Restaurant Association, Independent Insurance Agents, Society of Business Professionals, and the Land Use Research Group

9/11 Sales & Marketing Executives International (SMEI) Candidate Forum

9/13 Kauai Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum

9/20 Waikiki Neighborhood Board Candidate Night

9/23 West Hawaii U.S. Senate Forum

10/03 HawaiiNewsNow Statewide Televised Debate

10/04 Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association Candidate Forum

10/09 Oceanic Time Warner National Security Debate

10/12 Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce

10/17 Sacred Hearts Academy Forum

10/24 Maui Economic Development Board/Hawaii Public Radio & Maui Arts & Cultural Center Debate

10/30 KITV Statewide Televised Debate

The 18 debates and forums include four statewide televised appearances, nine on Oahu, three on Maui, one on Kauai and one on the Big Island. The Linda Lingle Senate Committee continues to field debate and forum scheduling requests and will review each in relation to the schedule above.

They said it: “Concerns about her stature to do the job”
“With few big signature accomplishments in 28 years as a state legislator, Lt. Governor and Congresswoman, Hirono campaigns on general themes such as ‘values,’ her loyal party-line voting record and her personal story … These grow stale with repetition and raise concerns about her stature to do the job” (Shapiro, Honolulu Star- Advertiser)

In Washington, politics come first, but here at home in Hawaii, Linda Lingle puts “people first.” She is listening, and she is committed to putting forth her ideas and plans for the economy and creating jobs. She cares about the people of Hawaii, and they can trust she will always put their interests first, ahead of blind political party loyalty.

Gov. Lingle has spent her entire publicly elected career in Hawaii working across party lines to get things done for the people of Hawaii.

More jobs, science and technology education, quality housing for Native Hawaiians: These are just some of the areas where she had a tremendous, positive, successful impact during her terms in office.

As a Senator, Linda Lingle commits to working with both parties to stimulate the economy and protect Social Security and Medicare.

And she will always put Hawaii’s “people first.”

For immediate release: August 11, 2012
HONOLULU – Governor Neil Abercrombie and Lt. Governor Brian Schatz falsely accused former Governor and candidate for the open U.S. Senate seat Linda Lingle of disrespecting President Obama in their remarks last night at a Democrat Party rally in Hilo.

Abercrombie said Governor Lingle questioned whether President Obama was born in Hawaii and Schatz said she was the only governor in America who didn’t attend the 2009 National Governor’s Association (NGA) meeting and dinner in the White House after President Obama was elected.

“Both of these statements are completely false,” Lingle’s campaign manager Bob Lee said.

“This is the kind of smear campaign we expected the other side would use to distract the public from the serious issues facing our state and nation, but we didn’t expect the state’s two highest elected officials would throw mud so early, especially when it’s so easy to prove their statements are false and that they were purposely misleading the public,” Lee added.

“Governor Lingle stood up against some in her own Party who said that President Obama was not an American citizen, by releasing a statement prior to the 2008 election that clarified he was in fact born at Kapiolani Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii (statement attached). At the time, she called the issue a distraction from the critical issues facing our nation. The same can be said today,” Lee continued.

Governor Lingle’s attendance at the 2009 National Governor’s Association annual meeting was well documented at the time by local media, including remarks she made to fellow governors during NGA meetings, as well as meetings with the President and a formal White House dinner.

“I have included a terrific picture taken of Governor Lingle and President Obama flashing the shaka sign after the formal state dinner,” Lee said. Photo also attached.

“Both Governor Abercrombie and Lt. Governor Schatz owe Governor Lingle a public apology for blatantly misleading the public in this manner,” Lee said.

“Primary Victory”

For immediate release: Aug. 11, 2012

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle, candidate for Hawaii’s open U.S. Senate seat, won the Republican Primary Election with 92% of the vote, setting up a General Election contest against Congresswoman Mazie Hirono on November 6. “The people of Hawaii now have a clear choice in this once-in-a-generation election. This race is important because the opportunity to elect a new Senator from our state is so rare, and because of the unprecedented challenges facing our country. Our way of life is being threatened because of the failure of D.C. politicians like my opponent. They failed Hawaii and they failed America. She failed us,” said Governor Linda Lingle.

“She put her political career and her party ahead of the people.”

“The people of Hawaii need an independent Senator who has a proven record of working with Democrats and Republicans and who has a clear plan for our future. I will spend the next 87 days talking with voters across the state about Hawaii’s future,” Governor Lingle added.

“My opponent, Mazie Hirono, and her third party allies are likely to spend more than one million dollars attacking me and distorting my record. But the people of Hawaii know me, they know my record, and they know that I am experienced in making the tough decisions necessary while always putting people first,” Governor Lingle concluded.

Governor Lingle’s campaign has developed a comprehensive grassroots and communications strategy moving into the General Election, including a groundbreaking cable television channel dedicated to providing information about her positions on critical issues for Hawaii, as well as keeping viewers updated about campaign events. Oceanic Digital Cable subscribers are encouraged to tune in to LL12, channel 110 (1110 for high definition). Supporters and interested voters are also encouraged to download the official campaign app “Lingle 2012″ for their Apple or Android device in order to stay up-to-date with the latest news from the campaign trail.

At her Oahu Campaign Headquarters in Dillingham Plaza on Sunday, August 12 at 11:00 a.m., Governor Lingle will be holding a news conference to discuss the General Election and her plan for Hawaii’s future.

Additional information on the Linda Lingle Senate Campaign is available at www.Lingle2012.com. Follow the campaign on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Lingle2012, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Lingle2012, and on YouTube at www.YouTube.com/Lingle2012.

# # # #

Aloha,

Governor Linda Lingle, candidate for Hawaii’s open U.S. Senate seat, won the Republican Primary Election with 92% of the vote, setting up a General Election contest against Congresswoman Mazie Hirono on November 6.

We had a tremendous outpouring of support, volunteer efforts and hard work from each and everyone one of our campaign’s loyal supporters. Hundreds turned out for poll watching, phone banking, and assisting in other important areas at the campaign headquarters on every island. It reflects Governor’s widespread support, and commitment of voters to elect her to become Hawaii’s next U.S. Senator.

But we are just beginning. The Primary Election is over, and we are on to the General Election against our opponent and a galvanized national party apparatus that will stop at nothing to their drive to maintain status quo politicians in Washington who rubber-stamp policies and refuse to put “people first” ahead of political party loyalty. If you want to see an end to that, and are committed to joining our cause, please e-mail Grassroots@Lingle2012.com or call 808-777-8845 and find out how you can come down to one of our Headquarters and help.

Let’s roll, everyone, and continue building on this enthusiasm and energy we saw on Primary Day. IMUA, and on to Election Day, Nov. 6!

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

IT’S A PRIMARY VICTORY!

10:14 p.m.: What a night! Gov. Lingle is now in the General Election stage of the campaign for U.S. Senate after scoring a Primary Election Day victory with more than 42,000 votes, about 92% of the vote in her primary.  Mahalo to all the dedicated volunteers and supporters who have powered the campaign to victory today, and it’s on to the General Election!

8:33 p.m.: Gov. Lingle just completed an interview with Paula Akana of KITV, where Governor talked about the importance of having a “foot in both camps” with regard to political party representation for Hawaii in the U.S. Senate. That way, no matter which political party controls the U.S. Senate, Hawaii will have fair and strong representation. Next up, she will talk with HawaiiNewsNow. Watch the livestream here: http://bit.ly/Pc8oJ4

8:12 p.m.: First printouts are released! Linda Lingle is leading after the first printout: 17,886 votes, representing 92.48%.

8 p.m.: Lots of good cheer and ono grinds here at HQ! And the Big Island is getting into it too, as we all wait for the first printout of Primary Election Day results! Campaign Manager Bob Lee had a chance to say mahalo to the gang on Kauai and Maui, while Big Island was still busy finishing up because their polls closed at 7:30pm.

5 p.m.: We had a very touching note come in via e-mail from Irma May Baptiste today: “Linda is awesome! My late brother, Bryan Baptiste loved working with her. I’m excited to have her as our new US Senator. Go Team Lingle!!!”

4:21 p.m.: The HQs are humming and buzzing: Lots of energetic volunteers making calls, setting up for the celebration, and having fun working hard to elect Linda Lingle as our next U.S. Senator. Don’t forget to “check in” on Facebook for the special Event listing. You have to “join” it first: https://www.facebook.com/events/512921048723847/

3:05 p.m.: According to KHON News, Governor Neil Abercrombie has issued a proclamation to extend polling hours on the Big Island by an hour and a half. That means the polling sites on the Big Island will close at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

3 p.m.: Oahu Headquarters is getting prepped and ready for the big celebration starting at 6 p.m.! Come on down and see us here, or if you’re on a Neighbor Island, make it over to the Neighbor Island HQs for Primary Election Day celebrations! Watch our latest video short with Shannon O’Hara:

Here’s some McCully representing! Jonah and Brooklyn Yano’s Mommy and Daddy both voted Linda Lingle for U.S. Senate!

2 p.m.: New video post! Check this out for a mid-day update:

1 p.m.: Maui is burning up the phone lines too! Check out these smiling faces at our HQ there! Go Maui – No Ka Oi! If you want to get involved on Maui, e-mail Stephanie@Lingle2012.com.

12 p.m.: Here are some sign wavers on Kauai! Have you voted today? If so, go visit our campaign’s Facebook page, and post that you voted Linda Lingle for U.S. Senate!

And here’s one of our short videos taken today. Get out there and VOTE!

11 a.m.: All across the islands, our phone bankers are burning up the lines! They’re getting out our vote for Linda Lingle for U.S. Senate. Here are some folks in our Kona HQ!

10 a.m.: Have you gotten out to vote yet? KITV News reported on their Facebook page that “The state says the best times are between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. and between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.” So if you’re planning out your day, you might want to try and schedule your visit to the polls during those windows of time.

9 a.m.: Ring ring! If you have time to help, please come down to HQ at 1505 Dillingham Blvd. on Oahu (click here for a listing of our Neighbor Island HQs) to help phone bank! It’s simple, easy, FUN and a HUGE help for us to get out our vote and to gather new supporters and volunteers!

8 a.m.: Our phone banking team is working the lines, identifying supporters, recruiting new volunteers, and reminding people to go out and Vote for Linda Lingle today!

7 a.m.: We are off and running! Polls are open and we are revving up the phones to start phone banking throughout the day. Volunteers are standing by at our headquarters to help you find polling places and answer any questions. If you need any assistance – or even need a ride to the polling place – don’t hesistate to call 808-777-8845.

Gov. Linda Lingle joined KHVH News Radio’s Rick Hamada on Friday, Aug. 10, 2012, to talk with him about the important issues facing the people of Hawaii. Linda Lingle is the clear choice for Hawaii’s next U.S. Senator.

HONOLULU — It’s a once-in-a-generation occurrence: A competitive U.S. Senate race in Hawaii.

That’s exactly what may be shaping up as two Democrats, Rep. Mazie Hirono and former Rep. Ed Case, square off in a primary Saturday for the chance to take on former Gov. Linda Lingle, the likely Republican Senate nominee.

Hawaii Senate races typically aren’t very competitive because it’s a solidly Democratic state with a history of letting incumbents keep their jobs. This contest is the first since 1976 without an incumbent running, and whoever wins will become just the sixth senator in the state’s 53-year history, replacing retiring Democratic Sen. Daniel Akaka.
The outcome could also help determine the balance of power in Congress. Republicans need to pick up four seats to regain control of the Senate.

Lingle has four primary opponents, but she was expected to easily defeat them on Saturday and the put up a strong fight for the Senate seat. The 59-year-old is well-known after eight years as governor. While the state firmly backed its native son, Democrat Barack Obama, for president in 2008 and is certain to do so again, independents make up roughly one-third of the electorate and there’s no telling how they’ll vote in November.

“This is a winnable race,” insists Lingle, who grew up in Jewish family of Democrats but declared herself Republican when she first ran for Maui City Council more than 30 years ago. She’ll need to cobble together a broad coalition of voters across the political spectrum to win, and do it with Obama at the top of the ticket. Obama, a Democrat, got two-thirds of the vote here four years ago.

While Lingle has twice won statewide, those victories came in years with no presidential race, though Democrats in other races did well in Hawaii then, too. She’s also fighting against history: Hawaii hasn’t had a Republican senator since Hiram Fong, one of the state’s original senators.

Still, the former governor has advantages: She’s raised $4.4 million so far and had $2 million in available cash as of late July, with more money raised and on hand than Hirono and Case combined.

Just one of Lingle’s Republican challengers has raised any money, less than $34,000 in all. Democrats acknowledge the race will be far from a shoo-in for them — regardless of who wins on Saturday.

The Democratic primary features a re-match of sorts between Hirono, 64, who came to the United States from Japan at age 8, and Case, 59, who was born on the Big Island and traces his Hawaii roots to 1896, when his great-grandparents moved to Honolulu from Kansas.

Hirono, the first Asian immigrant to serve in Congress, beat Case in a Democratic primary for Hawaii governor in 2002, then lost in the general election to Lingle, who served for eight years.

A poll released last month by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, four days before early voting began, found Case trailing Hirono by double-digits. It also said Lingle would be an underdog to either Democrat.

All three candidates are emphasizing independence, moderate views and bipartisanship as they don special leis, “talk story” with Hawaii locals and skip among the Pacific archipelago’s islands to drum up votes.

“Nobody asks me: ‘Are you a liberal?’” Hirono says. “They say, ‘How can you help me?’ How can we work together? That’s how I proceed.” She underscored that image in an ad featuring her with Rep. Don Young, an Alaska Republican.

Already looking to the general election in November, Hirono argues that Lingle’s efforts to play up bipartisanship and play down her GOP ties are part of an “extreme makeover” that doesn’t jibe with her time as governor.
Lingle takes issue with that characterization.

Case, for his part, has pitched himself as more moderate than Hirono and therefore a better bet to defeat Lingle. He said Hawaii has shown it doesn’t have a problem voting for a homegrown Republican.

“National Republicans know full well that Hirono is not going to be able to earn the votes of that growing portion of the electorate,” Case said. “They feel that that gives them an opportunity for a pickup.”

(emphasis added)

# # # #

By Adam Nagourney

HONOLULU — Channel 110 is a choice spot on Hawaii’s digital cable dial, coming right after Fox News and right before CNN Headline News. These days, it is the home of LL12, a station that will soon devote every minute of every day to one topic: Linda Lingle, a Republican running for the United States Senate.

Just in case there are not enough political advertisements on existing television stations here — and most people say there most certainly are, given the Senate campaign, two Congressional races, and a lively race for Honolulu mayor — Ms. Lingle has created her own cable station. It provides viewers with a feast of Lingle speeches, Lingle advertisements and Lingle endorsements, as well as video issue papers, televised forums and testimonials delivered in 10 of the languages spoken on these islands.

Think Linglevision. It began modestly in June and is about to roll out as a full-blown operation, pumping all-Lingle-all-the-time into 245,000 living rooms after Saturday, when her Democratic opponent will be chosen in a primary. Ms. Lingle says that if she wins the general election, she intends to hold on to the station as a way to communicate with constituents.

“Most people never come to hear a speech through the entire campaign,” Ms. Lingle said, seated in a hotel lobby in Waikiki before speaking at a fund-raiser. “I thought this would be more convenient for citizens, for voters. Rather than them having to come to us, we would go to them.”

By every indication, LL12 (as in Linda Lingle 2012) is a first-of-its-kind venture in campaign advertising in this country, reflecting the continued push by candidates to break through the rising clatter of political advertising. It is also taking advantage of the fact that one cable company, Oceanic Time Warner Cable, covers about 95 percent of the market here, making the project a little easier to pull off.

But the effort is also evidence of the extent to which Republicans are prepared to pour money into even what Ms. Lingle described as an uphill fight to be elected to the Senate. The Democratic primary is between Representative Mazie K. Hirono and Ed Case, a former member of Congress. The Hawaii Poll, taken for the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and Hawaii News Now in July, showed that both Democrats enjoyed double-digit leads over Ms. Lingle among likely voters.

“She has a ton of money, and I’m not sure she knows what to do with it,” Mr. Case said. “I think she calculates she has to spend some of it now. There’s no reason to keep it in reserve.”

It is not easy to judge the effectiveness of LL12, at least at this early stage. Campaign officials said it drew 70,000 viewers in July, with each watching for an average of three and a half minutes. That is the equivalent of seven 30-second commercials, said Lenny Klompus, a deputy campaign manager.

Were those viewers channel surfers who happened to land on LL12? Committed Republicans already in Ms. Lingle’s camp? Or just, as Stephen Colbert suggested in a segment making fun of LL12, insomniacs and people in traction? “Well, that’s a good question,” Ms. Lingle said.

But it certainly has people talking.

“It’s Linda Lingle 24-7,” Ms. Hirono said. “I think I saw a couple of seconds of it when I was trying to change the channels. It’s not a station I would watch.”

“While this is funny, what’s not funny is the amount of money the Republican Party is going to spend to try to win this seat so they can get closer to the four seats they need to control the U.S. Senate,” she said.

It is hard to blame Ms. Lingle for trying something new. “You have this perfect-storm election year for Hawaii,” said John Hart, the chairman of the communications department at Hawaii Pacific University. “You have a mayoral race that is highly contested. You have both House seats open. You have a Senate seat open when you only have an open Senate seat in Hawaii once in a generation. And you have a Hawaiian-born president at the top of the ballot.”

“They are rolling the dice,” he said.

If Ms. Lingle’s race is tough, her candidacy is far from implausible. She is a former two-term governor, has a history of winning elections in this state and is an effective campaigner. Mr. Case and Ms. Hirono have spent much of the summer focusing on each other. And Ms. Lingle defeated Ms. Hirono in a race for governor in 2002.

The race is attractive to the Republican Party and to outside groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which tends to support Republican candidates, because a Lingle victory would embarrass Mr. Obama in his own backyard and make it that much easier for Republicans to capture the Senate. Ms. Lingle has already raised $4.4 million for her race, compared with Ms. Hirono’s $3.4 million and Mr. Case’s $781,000.

Hawaii is resolutely Democratic, and Mr. Obama was born here. Ms. Lingle faces the burden of running in a year when her party — and its presumptive presidential nominee, Mitt Romney — has turned increasingly conservative and critical of Mr. Obama.

“He’s certainly to the right of my philosophy,” Ms. Lingle said of Mr. Romney. “I think the language I use is a much more balanced language than the national Republicans might use.

“It certainly is hard to be a Republican in Hawaii and run for office,” she said.

Hence Linglevision, which could prove particularly well suited to a place like Hawaii. Most of the population is concentrated in the Honolulu area, and the residents of the outlying islands are unlikely to get many opportunities to see Ms. Lingle or any of her opponents.

And truth be told, it is not particularly expensive. Robert Lee, Ms. Lingle’s campaign manager, said the campaign was spending $2,500 a week for the channel.

“They had a blank, and we took it,” he said. “And the blank station happened to be between Fox News and CNN Headline News.”

Neal Milner, a retired political science professor with the University of Hawaii, said he was skeptical that LL12 would win new supporters for Ms. Lingle.

“Most people who are likely to watch it are people who have already decided to vote for her,” he said.

“But she’s got the money,” he said. “It doesn’t cost all that much. And like a lot of things in a campaign, if you’re not sure how effective it is, you just go ahead and do it.”

UH Distinguished Alumnus, Students Condemn Smear Campaign and Call on UPHA to Halt Advertising

HONOLULU – Two University of Hawaii students today labeled television and radio ads and direct mail by the organization representing professors “dishonest” and “dirty political games.”

“The University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) has spent $250,000 in what they claim is advocacy for Ed Case. In reality, their tactics amount to a negative smear campaign targeted at Governor Linda Lingle,” said Deputy Campaign Manager & Communications Director Lenny Klompus.

“At a time when college tuition and student loans are top of mind, UHPA should be focused on these important issues, instead of embracing DC-style politics – the same kind of political games that their chosen candidate, Ed Case, claims he will not participate in. I’m sure the faculty could use another $250,000 in their paychecks, and students would welcome the $250,000 to help offset the cost of tuition. It’s obvious that UHPA’s leadership is more interested in spending its membership dues on sophomoric political smears than on improving the interests of its members who contribute 1% of their salary to the organization,” Klompus added.

“UHPA claims Linda Lingle has changed. The fact is, Governor Lingle is the same steady, common sense leader we have known for the past 30 years. The only thing that has changed is the attitude and direction of the UHPA leadership,” said Bob Lee, a UH Distinguished Alumnus and campaign manager for the Linda Lingle Senate Committee.

“The Governor worked hand in hand with UHPA to provide a transparent and fair contract. Has UHPA forgotten that in 2004 Governor Lingle forged a six-year contract, the longest in state history, that included pay raises every year? This contract was welcomed by UHPA, allowing them to retain faculty, and stay focused on the task at hand: educating Hawaii’s students,” Lee added.

Corrie Heck, a current Executive MBA student at University of Hawaii said, “After having many political conversations with my professors, it is clear that UHPA’s actions are not representative of their members. Professors advocate for fair, honest discussions of the issues. They teach their students to evaluate arguments with a balanced perspective. UHPA’s overwhelmingly partisan, dirty political games run counter to the motivations of the UH faculty.”

“I can’t believe the kind of dishonest, politically slanted material the University faculty is dispersing. I recently saw an altered photo of Governor Lingle, put out by UHPA that was simply appalling,” said UH undergrad student Kainoa Castillo. “Dirty political tricks like this will certainly make me think twice about the motives of this organization, which is supposed to represent people I learn from everyday. Like most of my friends, we’re now more convinced than ever that Linda Lingle is the clear choice for U.S. Senator.”

“They have embarrassed themselves and the University, and we ask UHPA to stop it’s Mainland-style political tactics,” Lee and the students concluded.

Aloha friends,

I hope your week is rolling along with as much momentum and aloha as we’ve been seeing building at our campaign headquarters throughout the state. Can you believe Primary Election Day is THIS SATURDAY? As we continue a strong push to Primary Election Day, everyone on Team Lingle is focused, top to bottom, on turning out our voters from now through Aug. 11.

You can be of tremendous help if you VOTE EARLY. The deadline for early voting is Thursday, Aug. 9. Voting by absentee ballot is an easy way to make sure your vote will count in case you can’t make it to the polls on Primary Election Day, Saturday, August 11th.A strong showing in the Primary Election will send a loud, clear message across the country that Hawaii’s voters value bipartisanship and they want the partisan gridlock in Washington to STOP. Click here for information on Absentee Voting.

And for all of you who have voted early for Linda Lingle – MAHALO. Your support is crucial, and your vote means so much to Governor. Please remind your friends and family to vote, and if you are on Facebook, click here for an “I’m Voting for Linda Lingle” profile picture to share on your page!

Each night this week we’ve been packing the house with phone bankers, and Governor Lingle will be joining the ranks at our Oahu Campaign HQ on Thursday, Aug. 9. If you’d like to help us in this ongoing effort, please contact Grassroots@Lingle2012.com or call Terry Henrion at 729-6140 for more information. Or better yet – just come down to our HQ on any of the islands, and there is always something we need help with!

Don’t forget about joining Gov. Lingle, myself and our Oahu campaign team on Primary Election Day at our Celebration going on Saturday, Aug. 11! The fun, ono food, festivities, door prizes, and excitement starts at 6 p.m., so bring the whole ‘ohana down to Headquarters and join in the celebration. Mark it down on your calendars and “join” this Facebook event.

Have a great weekend, and until next time.

Best,
Bob Lee
Campaign Manager

One of our opponents is again resorting to typical, divisive, partisan attacks that originate from the national Democrat Party and don’t reflect the Hawaii way.

The latest is this deceptively titled “petition” being promoted by Mazie Hirono online that tries to muddy the waters on an important subject of tax cuts and our economy, and distort Gov. Lingle’s clear record of support for working families and small businesses here in Hawaii.

Folks, it is exceedingly rare that you will find an issue that can be fairly and accurately captured in a soundbite or partisan zing – even though our opponent thrives on these political style statements. Issues such as the hotly debated discussion of ending Bush-era tax cuts require careful consideration and a balanced perspective on all sides of the issue. Our opponent hides behind the curtain of national Democrat talking points, and shows her lack of understanding and failure to study the issue.

Our opponent conveniently ignores the fact that by not extending these tax cuts, she has voted for the largest tax hike in American history, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.  And, while she is quick to call this a “tax break for the wealthiest Americans,” she ignores the fact that 90% of Americans earning $30,000 annually – which includes the working families, single parents and young workers that she purports to defend – will see their taxes go up. The nonpartisan organization, Tax Policy Center, estimates the average tax increase would be $3,700 each year. Why is she fighting so vehemently to raise taxes on working families? Because she is putting politics ahead of the people of Hawaii. 

Governor Linda Lingle has stated that she would vote to extend the tax cuts because of the harsh impacts on Hawaii small businesses if they are not extended.  The question is: “Why isn’t our opponent standing up for Hawaii businesses?”

It is also important to point out that unlike the majority vote in the House of Representatives today, Governor Lingle would have supported continuing the child tax credit enacted in 2009, which would reduce financial pressures on working families in Hawaii and across the country.

Nearly a million small businesses and farmers across our country file their federal taxes as individuals, and many of them would be hurt if the extension is not granted to higher income earners.  Even the liberal-leaning Center for Economic and Policy Research admits that raising taxes on incomes over $1 million will not help the economy nor will it help the 23 million people unemployed, under-employed or who have given up looking for work.

We need elected leaders like Linda Lingle who take the time to thoughtfully consider the impacts of the legislation they are voting for, rather than sitting by and rubber stamping Party leaders orders, reciting national Party talking points and continuing Washington-style attacks as has become our opponent’s common practice.

If Mazie Hirono wins her Party’s Primary Election, there will be numerous opportunities over 87 days to discuss and debate these and other important issues.

More jobs, science and technology education, quality housing for Native Hawaiians: These are just some of the areas where she had a tremendous, positive, successful impact during her terms in office.

As a Senator, Linda Lingle commits to working with both parties to stimulate the economy and protect Social Security and Medicare.

And she will always put Hawaii’s “people first.”

Please vote for Linda Lingle for U.S. Senate on Primary Election Day August 11.