ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS ENDORSES LINDA LINGLE FOR U.S. SENATE

HONOLULU – The national organization and local chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), one of the nation’s largest construction trade organizations, today announced its endorsement of former Governor Linda Lingle for U.S. Senate in 2012.

“I am honored and humbled by the support ABC has extended to me, both through the local chapter and the national leadership,” said Governor Linda Lingle. “Builders and contractors are at the heart of our economy, as the construction industry creates an important ripple effect which impacts economic growth in all sectors. Committed to spurring our national economy to a path toward prosperity, if elected U.S. Senator I will continue to promote policies which support and invigorate builders and contractors,” Gov. Lingle continued.

“As Governor of Hawai‘i, Linda Lingle consistently dedicated herself to creating jobs and contracting opportunities for the people of Hawai’i, and we are proud to endorse and support her campaign for the United States Senate,” said Jonathan Young, President of ABC’s Hawai‘i Chapter. “In order to revive the economy and stimulate job growth for the men and women in the construction industry, we believe it is imperative to focus on implementing fair contracting opportunities, increasing access to capital, providing meaningful tax relief for small businesses, speeding up capital improvement and infrastructure projects, and increasing access to training programs. Linda Lingle worked to develop these opportunities as Governor, and we have no doubt that she will continue these efforts at the federal level in the U.S. Senate,” Young added.

“As PAC Chairman for the local chapter of the ABC, I am excited that both our national and local ABC organizations have endorsed Linda Lingle for U.S. Senate. The construction industry is heavily reliant upon elected representatives that recognize the importance of a free market economy, combined with less government regulation. Linda Lingle has consistently demonstrated her knowledge and ability to successfully manage these priorities while maintaining public benefit and always putting people first,” said Chairman Paul Vierling.

As Governor (2002-2010), Linda Lingle worked closely with ABC and other trade organizations to strengthen the construction industry to create jobs for its membership while supporting small business. Among her top initiatives as the state’s chief executive, Gov. Lingle focused on creating wider access to public contracts by reforming the government procurement process to ensure efficiency, transparency and fairness. Following the 2008 global economic downturn, Governor Lingle and her Administration focused on stimulating Hawaii’s economy and creating jobs through a $1.8 billion Capital Improvement Project (CIP) plan which sparked public infrastructure construction statewide.

ABC also based its endorsement of Governor Lingle on her accomplishments in providing tax relief to Hawai‘i businesses and working families, implementing education and training programs to support the construction and building trades, and attracting federal funding.

About ABC
ABC represents more than 70% of all merit shop contractors in Hawai’i, with over 150 small businesses in the Hawai‘i chapter membership. Nationally, the organization represents 25,000 member-owned contractor, supplier and service providers with individual membership topping more than 2 million construction professionals throughout the United States. ABC is dedicated to enhancing job opportunities for all construction professionals, regardless of affiliation, by providing its members with education and advancement opportunities and advocating for fair and transparent bidding.

For more information about Associated Builders and Contractors visit www.abchawaii.org.

Additional information on the Linda Lingle for 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

Federal PAC Committed to Increasing Number of Women Serving in Government

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Maggie’s List Chairman and Founder Sandra Mortham today announced the endorsement of Hawaii United States Senate candidate Linda Lingle for 2012. The Federal Political Action Committee is comprised of women leaders across the country and dedicated to electing fiscally responsible women to the U.S House and U.S. Senate.

“Former two-term Republican governor of Hawaii Linda Lingle entered the race a few short weeks ago and Politico has already named her to the ‘Monthly Ten’ to watch for October 2011, while the Rothenberg Report stated “the race in Hawaii has turned from no chance to a legitimate GOP takeover opportunity in matter of a few months,” said Mortham. “This will certainly be a race to watch, and Maggie’s List is proud to support Linda Lingle based on her proven record of results including responsible fiscal management, reducing burdensome government regulations and outstanding support of our military.”

The Hawaii Senate race is an open seat in 2012 due to Democrat Daniel Akaka’s retirement. An October 13-16, 2011 Public Policy Poll showed, when asked if the election were held today, Lingle with an 85% favorable over her Republican primary challenger John Carroll.

Maggie’s List publicly endorsed and financially supported a number of women candidates during the 2010 cycle, including newly elected U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Congresswomen Martha Roby (AL-2), Sandy Adams (FL-24), Vicky Hartzler (MO-4), Nan Hayworth (NY-19), Ann Marie Buerkle (NY-25), Renee Ellmers (NC-2), Kristi Noem (SD-AL), Diane Black (TN-6) and Jaime Herrera (WA-3).

# # #

About Linda Lingle for United States Senate

Linda Lingle served as Governor of the State of Hawaii from 2002-2010. She was the first woman, first person of Jewish ancestry, and the first Republican in 40 years to lead the Aloha State.

Her Administration was able to confront and manage through one of the most severe economic crises in state history by closing an almost $3 billion gap in state revenues without increasing taxes and while maintaining a “AA” bond rating. With 30 years of public service, Governor Lingle first served the people of Hawaii as a member of the Maui County Council, representing the Island of Molokai from 1981-1991. She then served two full terms as Mayor of Maui from 1991-1999.

For additional information about her campaign, please go to www.Lingle2012.com.

About Maggie’s List:
Maggie’s List is a Federal Political Action Committee (PAC) created to increase the number of elected women committed to promoting the values of fiscal conservatism, less government, more personal responsibility and strong national security; thus promoting a more representative government. To advance this mission, Maggie’s List will provide programs and financial support to women candidates who meet these criteria, enabling them to run competitive and successful campaigns for the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate.

Maggie’s List was named after Margaret Chase Smith, who became the first woman elected to both houses of Congress (US House 1940-1948; US Senate 1948-1972). She was also the first woman to have her name placed in nomination for the presidency by either of the two major parties, coming in second to the Republican nominee, Senator Barry Goldwater in 1964. It is in her honor, and the legacy of women elected officials, that Maggie’s List was formed. For additional information, please go to www.MaggiesList.org.

Paid for by Maggie’s List, 6675 Weeping Willow Way, Tallahassee, FL 32311.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS ENDORSES LINDA LINGLE FOR U.S. SENATE

HONOLULU – The national organization and local chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), one of the nation’s largest construction trade organizations, today announced its endorsement of former Governor Linda Lingle for U.S. Senate in 2012.

“I am honored and humbled by the support ABC has extended to me, both through the local chapter and the national leadership,” said Governor Linda Lingle. “Builders and contractors are at the heart of our economy, as the construction industry creates an important ripple effect which impacts economic growth in all sectors. Committed to spurring our national economy to a path toward prosperity, if elected U.S. Senator I will continue to promote policies which support and invigorate builders and contractors,” Gov. Lingle continued.

“As Governor of Hawai‘i, Linda Lingle consistently dedicated herself to creating jobs and contracting opportunities for the people of Hawai’i, and we are proud to endorse and support her campaign for the United States Senate,” said Jonathan Young, President of ABC’s Hawai‘i Chapter. “In order to revive the economy and stimulate job growth for the men and women in the construction industry, we believe it is imperative to focus on implementing fair contracting opportunities, increasing access to capital, providing meaningful tax relief for small businesses, speeding up capital improvement and infrastructure projects, and increasing access to training programs. Linda Lingle worked to develop these opportunities as Governor, and we have no doubt that she will continue these efforts at the federal level in the U.S. Senate,” Young added.

“As PAC Chairman for the local chapter of the ABC, I am excited that both our national and local ABC organizations have endorsed Linda Lingle for U.S. Senate. The construction industry is heavily reliant upon elected representatives that recognize the importance of a free market economy, combined with less government regulation. Linda Lingle has demonstrated her knowledge and ability to successfully manage these priorities while maintaining public benefit and always putting people first,” said Chairman Paul Vierling.

As Governor (2002-2010), Linda Lingle worked closely with ABC and other trade organizations to strengthen the construction industry to create jobs for its membership while supporting small businesses.  Among her top initiatives as the state’s chief executive, Gov. Lingle focused on creating wider access to public contracts by reforming the government procurement process to ensure efficiency, transparency and fairness. Following the 2008 global economic downturn, Governor Lingle and her Administration focused on stimulating Hawai’i's economy and creating jobs through a $1.8 billion Capital Improvement Project (CIP) plan which sparked public infrastructure construction statewide.

ABC also based its endorsement of Governor Lingle on her accomplishments in providing tax relief to Hawai‘i businesses and working families, implementing education and training programs to support the construction and building trades, and attracting federal funding.

About ABC
ABC represents more than 70% of all merit shop contractors in Hawai’i, with over 150 small businesses in the Hawai‘i chapter membership. Nationally, the organization represents 25,000 member-owned contractor, supplier and service providers with individual membership topping more than 2 million construction professionals throughout the United States. ABC is dedicated to enhancing job opportunities for all construction professionals, regardless of affiliation, by providing its members with education and advancement opportunities and advocating for fair and transparent bidding.

For more information about Associated Builders and Contractors visit www.abchawaii.org.

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.

PAID FOR BY THE LINDA LINGLE SENATE CAMPAIGN

If you were tuned in to our Social Media today or submitted your email address to be connected to our campaign, then you were among the FIRST to find out about a KEY ENDORSEMENT Linda Lingle received TODAY! The national organization and local chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), one of the nation’s largest construction trade organizations, today announced its endorsement of Gov. Lingle for U.S. Senate in 2012. This is the first of many leading community organizations that plan to show their support for Governor Lingle.

With this New Year we are full speed ahead, and there is an undeniable sense of urgency about our mission to elect Linda Lingle as our next United States Senator. Hawaii’s people need Gov. Lingle’s dedication to creating jobs and helping small businesses thrive in order to revive our nation’s struggling economy. Almost every day I hear from people who are desperate to see her type of leadership representing our state in Washington, and that is a tremendous motivation for us all to achieve victory in November.

Please get involved and stay engaged with the campaign through Social Media. Go “like” the campaign Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Lingle2012, or follow the campaign Twitter account at http://www.Twitter.com/Lingle2012.

Enjoy your day today, and until tomorrow.

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

On this Wednesday morning, I wanted to call your attention back to an issue that’s affecting all of us every day, and that’s hindering our economy and stifling job creation: unnecessary burdens of government regulation. Creating jobs is probably the most important issue facing Hawaii and our nation today, and Gov. Lingle has plans to address it immediately if elected Senator.

She wants to make it a requirement that the government produce a Jobs Impact Statement for any new rule or regulation proposed. Here in Hawaii, with construction and new building projects constituting significant sectors of our economy, this is obviously an issue that resonates. Allowing Americans to see the potential cost, in terms of jobs lost, of a new rule or regulation is the kind of common-sense, practical solution that Governor Lingle has been known for her entire public elected career.

See this ISSUES video, one of six so far from the campaign, on the need to institute a Jobs Impact Statement at the federal level, and be sure to share the link with your friends, either by e-mailing them the link, posting to your Facebook or Twitter, or just word of mouth.

I hope your Wednesday is a productive one.

Until tomorrow,

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

Many of you had yesterday off from work, so today is the real start to the first work week of the New Year.

The energy level and excitement I see with our Linda Lingle Senate Campaign team is off the charts with the calendar changing to 2012. That’s because we are able to showcase the experience and expertise of our candidate to be elected as our next United States Senator. We know Linda Lingle’s bipartisan, common-sense approach is exactly what is needed in Washington, D.C.

I know many of our supporters are keeping a daily watch on the blog, and sharing it with their friends on Facebook, Twitter, or email. But how many of your family and friends haven’t signed up to VOLUNTEER and join the team?

I can’t emphasize enough how crucial this is for Gov. Lingle to win on Nov. 6. The more people we have as volunteers, the broader our reach for her winning message of fiscal discipline, dedication to small businesses, stimulating the economy and creating jobs, and of course, always putting Hawaii’s “people first.”

So start off the New Year by clicking here to VOLUNTEER. And be sure to visit the library of ISSUES-based videos we now have posted to the campaign YouTube site: http://www.YouTube.com/Lingle2012. It’s so easy to watch, click and share them with others; which has a real impact on building grassroots support.

Enjoy your day today, and until tomorrow,

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

HONOLULU – Former Hawaii Governor and current U.S. Senate candidate Linda Lingle continued her commitment to an issues-based campaign with the release today of a new video on TOURISM and JOBS.

In this latest in the series of videos, Gov. Lingle points out the glaring weakness in how the federal government approaches the tourism industry by lacking a unified plan or coordinating agency for devising strategies that can help the industry and in turn boost the economy. Gov. Lingle draws this stark contrast from the way she approached the challenge during her public career in Hawaii, when as Governor she was the first to create a Cabinet-level position responsible for interfacing with the tourism industry in the state.

“Tourism is one of the primary engines that drives Hawaii’s economy. As Maui’s Mayor and later as Hawaii’s Governor, my Administrations always gave the visitor industry the attention it deserves, ensuring our strategies for improving and spurring growth for this important sector were coordinated and consistent,” said Gov. Lingle.

Tourism and related businesses such as airlines, rental car companies, retail and restaurants are of critical importance to the United States as a whole, representing nearly 10 percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product and employing an estimated 14 million Americans.

With a campaign stressing her commitment to finding practical, common-sense solutions that put Hawaii’s “People First,” Linda Lingle sees in the nation’s tourism industry an opportunity to bring immediate positive impact to the economy.

“If elected Senator, I want to bring this same, sensible approach to the federal level, and serve as the point person for tourism in the U.S. Senate,” Gov. Lingle added. “Tourism is an area where a coordinated approach would reap immediate benefits for Hawaii’s people and the rest of the nation, by stimulating the economy and creating more quality jobs.”

In the issue-focused video, Gov. Lingle cites U.S. Chamber of Commerce statistics that show a return to tourism levels of 2000 would create 1.3 million more jobs for Americans.

The video is available to view on the Linda Lingle Senate Campaign’s YouTube Page at www.YouTube.com/Lingle2012.

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.

Adding to the excitement of the New Year is our release of another ISSUES-based web video in which Gov. Lingle discusses topics of importance to Hawaii’s people. This sixth video, featured on the main page of this website and the YouTube Channel, is on TOURISM-JOBS.

It’s the start of a new year, with new opportunities and new challenges ahead.

As we begin 2012, I am approaching the year ahead with renewed optimism about our state and nation’s future.  Our potential is limitless, and if our leaders are able to reach beyond partisan differences, we can secure a brighter, more prosperous future for ourselves, our children and grandchildren.

I entered the race to become your next United States Senator because I am convinced that one person can make a difference in our nation’s Capitol.  My commitment to always put Hawai’i's “people first,” ahead of petty partisanship or political gamesmanship, will benefit our residents here at home, and across our nation as well.

This past year our state and country faced unprecedented challenges. I have been spending time with residents across the state, and am more convinced than ever that a new direction is needed in the way Washington, D.C. operates. To create positive change for the benefit of everyone, it will take independent, common-sense, bipartisan solutions to revitalize our economy, reduce our national debt, and stimulate the creation of quality jobs for our residents.

Together, we will be successful.  Our campaign is already off to a strong start in this New Year and you are an important part of making this happen.

I hope you are able to enjoy the first day of 2012 with your ‘ohana, friends and neighbors, watch a little football or a movie and just reflect on the blessings we have in living in the greatest state in the greatest nation on earth.

I wish you a safe, healthy and happy New Year, filled with hope and optimism.

Mahalo nui loa,

Linda Lingle

In the afterglow of our holiday season, and with a New Year approaching, it’s good to think back on the blessings we enjoy and have experienced this past year.  It’s also a good time to think about what we have to look forward to in 2012 and the many things we want to accomplish.

So for these holidays, let us give thanks for what truly matters in our lives: our ‘ohana, our friends, our health, our freedom. These are the gifts that need no wrapping paper and yet are most precious to all of us. And these things are of even greater value when we consider those around us who are less fortunate. I know many of us will reach out and help those who need our kokua.

Enjoy your holiday week, and be well. I’ll be signing off from my Morning Coffee blog until the New Year in order to spend time with my ‘ohana.  Please store up all your coffee and get ready to start a fresh brew with me on January 1, 2012.

We know that we have a huge year ahead, and I can’t wait to get working again alongside you to ensure Gov. Linda Lingle becomes our next United States Senator.

On behalf of Governor Lingle and our entire campaign team, I hope your holiday continues to be joyous!

Until 2012, ALOHA!

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

I know many of us will be hearing that story tonight, and all of us will be smiling as we look around and see the excitement and anticipation on the faces of our family, especially the keiki, in our lives.

It’s a wonderful feeling knowing what kind of surprises await them tomorrow morning, and I’m sure like me, you give thanks for the blessings we enjoy. The most important things we do in our everyday life are those things that will have an impact on the lives of our children and grandchildren.

As we prepare to celebrate in the early AM, I hope you will see the opportunity we have ahead of us to contribute to something meaningful in our lives and the lives of future generations, by electing Gov. Lingle to the U.S. Senate. Her drive to work today for a better tomorrow is what we need, and her belief in always putting Hawaii’s “people first” ensures that pursuit will never be derailed by partisan gain or political gamesmanship.

Be safe tonight, and Merry Christmas Eve,

Best regards,
Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

P.S.: Give yourself a Christmas present! Sign up on our Volunteer page by clicking HERE to submit your information to help Gov. Lingle become our next United States Senator!

Dec. 22, 2011

By Adrienne LaFrance

The New York Times published a lengthy piece about the race for U.S. Senate in Hawaii, and what former Gov. Linda Lingle’s candidacy means for the future of Hawaii’s Democratic party.

Lingle, a high-profile Republican, has garnered national attention since she confirmed in October that she is running to replace Democratic Sen. Daniel Akaka. He is not seeking re-election.

The newspaper points out that while Lingle is an “experienced campaigner with access to huge sums of money,” she will have to distance herself from past criticisms of President Barack Obama (Lingle supported Sen. John McCain and Sarah Palin in the 2008 presidential election).

New York Times reporter Adam Nagourney said that in an interview with Lingle, she ”took pains not to criticize Mr. Obama.”

Democrats have already repeatedly reminded voters that Lingle backed McCain-Palin in 2008, including distributing video in which Lingle describes Palin as an “outstanding choice” for vice president.

The former governor had a blunt reaction to the criticism she’s received thus far.

“Every time politicians try to demonize me or someone else, it just shows they have no ideas of their own,” Lingle reportedly told Nagourney.

By Reid Wilson, Quinn McCord and Hotline Staff

HAWAII (Open, D, Sen. Daniel Akaka retiring) (LAST MONTH: 11)
What the Wisconsin primary is to Republicans, the Hawaii primary will be to Democrats—a minefield. Hawaii will be the state in which the Democratic primary has the biggest impact. Republicans see ex-Rep. Ed Case as their most difficult potential opponent, but the DSCC is lining up behind Rep. Mazie Hirono, thanks to Sen. Daniel Inouye’s influence. Ex-Gov. Linda Lingle’s fundraising report is going to scare Democrats when it comes out in January.

See below for all the recent news generated about this important campaign:

• From New York Times: “For Democrats in Hawaii, Unease in an Oasis.”

• From Politico’s Morning Score: “HAWAII SENATE – NYT A1 STORY SAYS LINGLE HAS A SHOT.”

• From The Hill’s Tip Sheet: “The New York Times: For Democrats in Hawaii, unease in an oasis,”: “Democrats, who usually have it easy in Hawaii, are in a rough patch and Republicans may win a Senate seat that has long been out of their reach.”

• From ABCNews Blog: “FOR DEMOCRATS, TROUBLE IN PARADISE.”

• From Civil Beat’s DC808 Blog: “The New York Times Looks to Lingle.”

in Politico’s Morning Score

By James Hohmann

Adam Nagourney goes to Honolulu for an A1 story on Democratic challenges in Obama’s home state. “The Republicans have in [Linda] Lingle what party officials on both sides say may be the one Republican who could be elected senator from Hawaii. She is well known and is an experienced campaigner with access to huge sums of money,” he writes, noting the nasty primary playing out on the other side. Plus, Gov. Neil Abercrombie “is ending his first year under a storm of criticism; he referred to himself the other evening as ‘the most unpopular governor in America.’ http://bit.ly/tPpGzV

Yet these are hardly happy days for Hawaii Democrats,” The New York Times’ Adam Nagourney reports under a Honolulu dateline. “The governor, Neil Abercrombie, is ending his first year under a storm of criticism; he referred to himself the other evening as ‘the most unpopular governor in America.’ Mr. Obama’s struggles in Washington have cast a bit of a pall here.

And the Republican Party suddenly has a shot of picking up a United States Senate seat that has been in Democratic hands for more than 30 years, with the announcement by Linda Lingle, a Republican former governor, that she will seek the seat held by Senator Daniel K. Akaka, the retiring Democrat.

A Republican victory here would be a serious embarrassment to Mr. Obama (though that could be the least of his problems on election night) and would make it that much more likely that Republicans take back the Senate.”

The busy holiday season continues! And likewise the momentum to elect Gov. Lingle as our next U.S. Senator is building steam. All across the state and the nation, we’ve seen people respond and gravitate to her message of bipartisanship, common-sense solutions to the real challenges we face, and a call to restore in government a sense of fiscal responsibility.

Your kokua is greatly appreciated! And, to capitalize on your effectiveness in the online community, she launched yesterday a “10 in 10″ campaign: a plan to raise an additional $10,000 from our online visitors in the next 10 days.

Governor needs your support to reach our “10 in 10″ goal. Please follow this link to make a secure, online donation https://secure.donationreport.com/donate.html?key=HE9HJNLCP7IR of $5, $10, $25, $50 or any amount up to the $5,000 legal limit.

Let’s keep going strong in order to elect Gov. Lingle to the U.S. Senate. Together, we will have her proven record of working across party lines to always put Hawaii’s “people first,” in Washington, D.C. by this time next year.

Until tomorrow,

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

Dec. 21, 2011

By Adam Nagourney

HONOLULU — Hawaii should be a happy outpost for the Democratic Party. It has a Democratic governor. Democrats overwhelmingly control the Legislature. It has Barack Obama in the White House and all the prestige that brings, most recently an Asia-Pacific economic summit meeting with the president as its host, packing this city’s streets, restaurants and hotels with international leaders.

Yet these are hardly happy days for Hawaii Democrats. The governor, Neil Abercrombie, is ending his first year under a storm of criticism; he referred to himself the other evening as “the most unpopular governor in America.” Mr. Obama’s struggles in Washington have cast a bit of a pall here.

And the Republican Party suddenly has a shot of picking up a United States Senate seat that has been in Democratic hands for more than 30 years, with the announcement by Linda Lingle, a Republican former governor, that she will seek the seat held by Senator Daniel K. Akaka, the retiring Democrat. A Republican victory here would be a serious embarrassment to Mr. Obama (though that could be the least of his problems on election night) and would make it that much more likely that Republicans take back the Senate.

“Hawaiians want change, and if the Democrats don’t offer change, Hawaiians are going to vote for the Republican who offers change,” Ed Case, a former member of Congress who is seeking the Democratic nomination, said the other day while campaigning here in a sea of leather and roaring motorcycles at the beginning of a Toys for Tots biker parade. “And Lingle is going to spend $7 million trying to be the change candidate.”

This remains a fiercely Democratic state, and Ms. Lingle, as she acknowledged in an interview, will have to overcome the considerable obstacle of having Mr. Obama, who was born in Honolulu, at the top of the ticket. And for all the problems facing Democrats and the governor, who has struggled with budgetary and personnel issues, there are signs that things might be looking up here: tourism appears to be on the upswing, and Mr. Abercrombie said he had gotten through a difficult first year and begun to turn the state around.

“We’re not going to send somebody to the United States Senate whose sole purpose is to undermine the president of the United States, particularly if the majority in the Senate is so slim,” Mr. Abercrombie said in an interview. “I think it will be a tough race because the money will come in on the Republican side. And of course, being Democrats, we have a primary contest. At the end of the contest, we’ll go as we always have gone here in Hawaii.”

Still, the Republicans have in Ms. Lingle what party officials on both sides say may be the one Republican who could be elected senator from Hawaii. She is well known and is an experienced campaigner with access to huge sums of money. The Democrats are now split by an ideologically caustic primary battle between Mr. Case, who presents himself as a moderate in a party that has swung too far to the left, and Representative Mazie K. Hirono. Mr. Abercrombie’s continued political troubles have worsened the atmosphere for Democrats.

“This is the first time since 1977 when we can potentially have a Republican senator,” said David Chang, the state Republican chairman.

Even during these difficult times, Mr. Obama — who hopes to come here for the holidays, his second visit to the state in a month — is viewed as a full-fledged political asset by both Democratic candidates. Notably, Ms. Lingle, in an interview, took pains not to criticize Mr. Obama and made a point of saying she did not think the race should be viewed as a referendum by Hawaii voters on his performance.

Democrats said they would be sure to use videotape of Ms. Lingle campaigning against Mr. Obama in the 2008 presidential election; while Democrats said Mr. Obama’s presence here would be welcome by either Democratic candidate, the distance makes it likely that his presence in the campaign will be confined to advertisements, should that prove necessary.

“Obama is a native son: people are going to embrace him,” said Richard Pratt, a professor of political science at the University of Hawaii.

Guy Cecil, the executive director of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said Mr. Obama, who carried Hawaii with 72 percent of the vote in 2008, “will be a huge factor in this race.”

“We have to make sure that most people who vote for the president also vote for our candidate,” Mr. Cecil said. “When we talk about this race, we don’t put it in the tossup category, but we’re not taking it or granted either.”

Ms. Lingle must also avoid being identified too closely with Republicans in Washington, Democrats and Republicans here said. Her previous electoral success here came when she presented herself as a moderate Republican, appealing to independent voters. That might be tougher in a federal election in which she is being pushed to take positions on issues used to define candidates ideologically: for example, she said she opposed Mr. Obama’s call to impose a surtax on income over a million dollars to extend the payroll tax holiday. (At the same time, she has refused to sign a pledge promising never to support any tax increase.)

And Ms. Lingle nominated Sarah Palin as her party’s vice presidential candidate at the 2008 Republican National Convention and was a strong supporter of Senator John McCain in his run against Mr. Obama. In her speech, Ms. Lingle echoed many of Mr. McCain’s criticisms of Mr. Obama, and Democrats said they would surely use videotape of it in advertisements against her. “The last time she was on the national stage, she was campaigning very heavily for the McCain-Palin ticket, having introduced Sarah Palin to the world,” Ms. Hirono said. “People remember those things.”

Ms. Lingle said those kinds of attacks would not work. “Anyone who tries to tar me with what’s happening at the national level will run up against the reality of my own record in Hawaii,” she said. “Every time politicians try to demonize me or someone else, it just shows they have no ideas of their own.”

The Democratic primary has already turned intense and seems likely to tie both candidates up. Mr. Case called Ms. Mazie a “candidate of the status quo” and noted his opposition to spending and tax policies she supports, arguing that she could not appeal to independent voters. Ms. Mazie scoffed at Mr. Case’s claim and pointed to her broad support in the state. (Democrats in Washington have also made no secret of their hope that she is the nominee.) “I don’t know what Ed even means that I am the status quo,” she said. “If people thought that, I wouldn’t be getting this kind of support.”

Ms. Lingle’s attempt to return to public office is being played out against the problems of Mr. Abercrombie, who succeeded her in office after term limits prevented her from running again. His first year has been marked by a disruptive procession of budget and personnel battles, and a personal style that many of his critics have called unnecessarily abrasive. “Abercrombie must regain public trust,” read the headline on a recent editorial in The Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Mr. Abercrombie said much of the criticism reflected the difficult budget hand he was dealt by Ms. Lingle as she left office. “I play four quarters,” he said. “One year later, it’s the end of the first quarter. The objective facts are, we’ve turned this state around.”

Mr. Pratt said the one thing here that might give Ms. Lingle hope, short of a meltdown in the Democratic primary, would be the governor. “How Abercrombie does will matter,” he said, “and affect the Senate race. And affect the future of the party.”

The Festival of Lights began at sundown last night (December 20) and continues through December 27. This special time of year commemorates the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem more than 2,000 years ago. According to tradition, there was only enough oil in the sacred lamp to last for one day, but upon being lit, the oil continued to burn brightly for eight days.

All around the world in homes and synagogues, the Chanukah celebration begins with the lighting of the first candle of the menorah. Each night thereafter another candle is lit, symbolizing enlightenment, hope and gratitude.

Traditional foods, such as potato latkes (pancakes), as well as giving Chanukah gelt (money), and spinning the dreidel (game played with a top) with children are some of the festive activities many will enjoy during this holiday.

As the Jewish community in Hawai’i celebrates Chanukah, let the continued illumination of the menorah remind all of us of the light of the aloha spirit in each of us.

Best wishes to you all for a joyous, peaceful and happy Chanukah!

Aloha,

Linda Lingle

I hope that if you’re not finished completely yet, you’re almost pau shopping for the holidays. With Christmas this weekend, it’s a sure bet there will be crowds flocking for those last-minute gifts. With rain and traffic, it’s a good idea to be a little extra careful and a little patient on the roadway. Share your aloha with everyone else who’s out there.

Gov. Lingle told me she had a wonderful time last night at the Menorah (a seven-branched candelabrum) Lighting ceremony that followed the Chanukah Caravan Parade from Kaimuki High School into Waikiki. Many folks who came out were not Jewish, but still enjoyed the fellowship and festivities that are part of a tradition going back more than 2,000 years.

Finally, have you seen the latest video Governor released on Immigration and Visas? If not, I encourage you to spend 90 seconds to see how she brings her common sense ideas to bear on the issue. She’s right to identify the foreign students who graduate from our universities as prime candidates to help fuel our economy with ideas, innovation, and job creation.

Enjoy your day today, and until tomorrow,

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

**Event Schedule Subject to Change, please check back for updates**

Christmas is drawing closer, and Chanukah (the Festival of Lights) starts at sundown tonight and will end next Wednesday. And, our time to make the best of 2011 is nearing an end as well.

It’s a season of hope and encouragement for us to improve our lives and  help those around us; that’s the opportunity that 2012 presents to all of us.

Tonight Gov. Lingle will be joining in the Menorah (a seven-branched candelabrum) Lighting ceremony that follows the Chanukah Caravan Parade from Kaimuki High School into Waikiki. Even if you’re not Jewish, it’s a festive time to come down, watch the parade, and share good cheer and aloha with others.

The next year also represents a chance for us to take our government in a new direction, with the important elections taking place in November. I know that so many of you share my sense of urgency in electing Gov. Lingle to the United States Senate.  Her philosophy of always putting “people first” in governing and legislating will serve us well today and into the future.

We all must work together and spread the word, and Gov. Lingle and I depend on YOU all to amplify her issue statements and plan to build a stronger state and country. Please stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, and here on the website, and tell your friends by sharing or forwarding my Morning Coffee blog.

I know you’re busy with family gatherings and other season’s activities, so I will be less frequent in my communiques to you this next week.

Be well, and blessings to you and your ‘ohana.

Until tomorrow,

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

I hope you’ve had a chance to view the new issues-based video that was released by the our Campaign yesterday. It illustrates in many ways why I believe Governor Lingle is the only choice Hawaii voters have to put someone in Washington who will truly work for common sense solutions that benefit all the people of our state.

First, the video focuses on immigration, specifically student visas, and how our current system runs counter to America’s best interests. Gov. Lingle is not afraid of standing up to either political party in order to defend what she thinks is right for “people first.” She accurately identifies how highly-trained foreign students who graduate from our U.S. universities will help stimulate our economy. What good does it do us to have these individuals gain knowledge and training, and then return to their country of origin to compete against us?

Second, in this new video Gov. Lingle reinforces the point by highlighting how these graduating students are tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, inventors, and job creators, and are perfectly positioned to serve as tremendous assets in building our economy.

Stay safe this week as you finish up all your tasks before the holiday weekend. Many blessings to you and your ‘ohana.  On a personal note, and speaking of ‘ohana, my wife Judi and I hosted a private family wedding reception last night for my daughter Alison and my new son-in-law, Dan.

Until tomorrow.

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

I would like to share with you what a poignant, powerful experience yesterday was for me as I joined the famed nisei veterans of the 442nd Regiment / 100th Battalion / MIS at their honorary parade and luncheon.

It was an emotional experience! You could see it on the faces of the those who crowded along the parade route. Everyone has such a tremendous amount of gratitude for these brave men who sacrificed so much to change the course of history and preserve the freedoms we enjoy today.

It was my privilege to have served as co-chair for the Hawaii Congressional Gold Medal activities this past year in France, Washington, D.C. and today at the Convention Center.  All those individuals who lent time and resources to ensure these American patriots received the honor they rightly deserve, MAHALO. I just consider myself fortunate to have been able to play a role in this yearlong effort. Looking at these veterans’ faces today, hearing their stories, and seeing the pride in their families reinforced that all the time spent was well worth it.

In other campaign news, I want you to know about the latest video Gov. Lingle has just released. It’s on the important issue of immigration and student visas. Gov. Lingle is right to point out how counterproductive it is for us as a nation to have foreign students come here, obtain advance degrees, and then return back to their countries of origin to compete against us. Common sense tells us that a smarter, better way that’s good for the people of Hawaii is to encourage those highly-trained individuals to stay here and be the entrepreneurs and job creators that our economy so desperately needs.

See the video and share it with your friends. It’s on the main page of this website, and also on the Lingle Campaign YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4ESxlW8u_Y .

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday, and until tomorrow,

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

Linda Lingle Senate Campaign Releases Video on Immigration and Visas

HONOLULU – Former Hawaii Governor and current U.S. Senate candidate Linda Lingle released today the fifth web video in a series that has been a highly visible part of her pledge to run an issues-based campaign.

This video on Immigration and Visas, like the others Gov. Lingle has released in preceding weeks, weighs in on an issue critical to Hawaii and the nation.  It is available on the Lingle 2012 website and on the Lingle 2012 YouTube channel.

Always putting Hawaii’s “people first,” Gov. Lingle believes that the most effective means to overcoming the challenges facing our state and country are common-sense solutions.  In this video on immigration, Governor explains that the policy on student visas runs counter to America’s best interests.

At a time when the nation’s suffering economy can least afford it, it is especially counter-productive to encourage students to come to America and study, obtain advanced degrees, and then send these highly-educated, highly-trained individuals back to their countries of origin to compete against us.

Gov. Lingle points out that these individuals are perfectly positioned to be inventors, entrepreneurs, and job creators, and give our economy a much-needed boost.

Gov. Lingle believes that the greatness of America is owed to its strong foundation, built by generations of immigrants.  It’s clear they came to this country because of freedom, opportunity, and to make a better life in a society where success depends on hard work not fortune of birth.

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.

Paid for by the Linda Lingle Senate Campaign

I’m extremely excited about the special event I will attend with Governor Lingle today.  We have the privilege of attending a luncheon to commemorate the heroism of the brave nisei veterans of World War II. Prior to the mid-day festivities, these true patriots of the 442nd Regiment / 100th Battalion / MIS will be honored today with a parade through Waikiki.

Having traveled with many of them to Bruyeres, France, and then again journeying to Washington, D.C., to witness the ceremonial events held in their honor at the nation’s Capitol, there is special significance to today’s wrap-up event.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. About 200 veterans will ride in trolleys, troop carriers and convertibles along the parade route from Fort DeRussy to Kapiolani Park. The parade will wind through Waikiki and trolley cars will pull to the curb at the intersection of Kalakaua Avenue and Seaside Avenue (Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center) in front of the VIP viewing stand.

After a brief address by dignitaries at the viewing stand, the parade will resume and complete the parade route to Kapiolani Park.

I hope to see many of you there, along the parade route, showing how much we appreciate their sacrifice and bravery to make our world safe for democracy.

Have a wonderful Saturday, and please say mahalo to any man and woman in uniform.

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

Hopefully as this week comes to a close you look back on a very productive five days, and look ahead to a relaxing weekend. I encourage you to come into Waikiki tomorrow to help us commemorate and salute our World War II heroes: The nisei veterans who served in the 442nd Regiment / 100th Battalion / Military Intelligence Service.

I have the immense privilege of serving as co-chair for this event, and I know Gov. Lingle shares in my immense sense of pride in the opportunity to celebrate these members of the Greatest Generation. Their sacrifice and duty saved countless lives and changed the course of history, preserving the freedom we enjoy to this day.

There will be a parade through Waikiki that starts at 10 a.m., and a noon banquet at the Hawaii Convention Center that is sold out. Sunday there will be a Memorial Service at Punchbowl. For details about the parade route and other event info, visit http://www.congressionalgoldmedalhawaii.com/.

So if you are able, I strongly encourage you to come down and line the streets of Waikiki for the parade to cheer on these veterans who deserve so much and did so much for our country.

Enjoy your Friday, and until tomorrow,

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

I’m sure many of you are picking up the pace to finish off your holiday gift shopping.

And for businesses, this is a great time of the year for a shot in the arm. Jobs and the economy are on everyone’s mind right now, in Hawaii especially and of course across the nation. So an increase in business is high on everyone’s wish list.

Gov. Lingle knows the way past our economic challenges will come not from just taxing our way to prosperity or by slashing government spending to the bone: Only a balanced approach and finding ways the government can help spur economic development will help us grow our way out of the difficulties we face. And I believe she’s right on the money in presenting her specific plan that includes working to boost tourism and bringing more long-term certainty to businesses so they can plan appropriately and flourish.

Please take a moment to look at the campaign videos that go into more detail on these subjects. View “Creating Jobs for the Economy” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Tlrm19v1vk and share it with your friends. We need to make sure everyone knows about the ideas and solutions Gov. Lingle can bring to the Senate to help Hawaii.

Until tomorrow,

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

I hope things are going well at the midway point of the week. Even with all the stormy weather, we’re so fortunate to be living in Hawaii. It’s still the most beautiful place on earth.

I don’t want to wish the week away, but I am looking forward to this weekend’s special ceremony. As many of you know, there is a planned ceremony this weekend, including a parade and luncheon at the Hawaii Convention Center on Saturday, to honor our brave nisei veterans of the 442nd Regiment / 100th Battalion / Military Intelligence Service. These men serve as an example to us all of the ability to overcome the challenges facing our nation through dedication, cooperation, and commitment.

I know they are an inspiration to Gov. Lingle, as she has built her entire career on the belief that setting aside petty differences in the interest of what’s best for the people of Hawaii is the best way to succeed in overcoming the obstacles facing our state, and the nation. That’s why she is seeking the honor and privilege of representing Hawaii as its next United States Senator.

Enjoy your day today, and until tomorrow,

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

P.S.: Happy Birthday to Gov. Lingle’s dad, Richard.

I was pleased to see yesterday’s announcement that a Waipahu couple took delivery of their new all-electric Mitsubishi “i” car, making them the first retail customers in the nation to buy that Mitsubishi model.  I know how they feel … I love my electric Nissan LEAF!

Hawaii must continue to progress down the path started with the creation of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative that was implemented during Governor Linda Lingle’s Administration. This was a critically important step toward the goal of having Hawaii meet 70% of our state’s energy needs by 2030 through energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Gov. Lingle strongly believes Hawaii must break our over-reliance on imported fossil fuels and increase our energy security if we are to see a prosperous future for our keiki. If elected to the U.S. Senate, I know she will continue to make that a priority for our nation as well, for the benefit it brings our economy and our environment.

I hope you have an outstanding day today, and until tomorrow.

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

P.S.: By the way, Governor Lingle is really enjoying her all-electric Nissan LEAF as well.

It’s the start of a new week, and I hope it’s a productive one for you, full of aloha.

Hopefully you have had a chance to check out some of the recent political debates that have taken place. There are important differences between the political ideologies, and it’s essential that we have a clear sense of what each candidate stands for, what type of leader he or she is, and what values he or she brings to the table. Although there’s too much partisan posturing for my taste, one thing I have noticed in the debates and elsewhere in public discourse, is the all-or-nothing, my-way-or-the-highway, approach to solving problems, as though there is one silver bullet out there that could get us out of the financial crisis we face.

We know, this is NOT Governor Linda Lingle’s approach.

For example, on the issue of our nation’s massive debt, as Governor said, “neither the so-called ‘millionaire’s tax’ nor the “extension of the ‘Bush-era tax cuts’ will solve the deep fiscal hole our state and nation faces today.  What’s worse is these narrow solutions become a battle cry for political gamesmanship. Our country needs comprehensive and bipartisan solutions to meet this real crisis.”

I strongly believe in Gov. Lingle’s leadership on these issues and I think she’s correct in recognizing the need to not only reduce discretionary spending, but close the loop on special tax deductions, exemptions, and credits that provide special benefits to selected groups of taxpayers and favored forms of consumption and investment. She supports a fairer, broader and simpler tax system that will incentivize and spur confidence, consumption, investment and job creation.

In other words, Governor believes in comprehensive tax reform rather than narrow and simplistic solutions, however good they may sound.  It’s those type of common-sense priorities that I believe set Gov. Lingle apart from the other candidates.

Enjoy the day, and until tomorrow,

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

I hope you stayed safe and as dry as possible with the wet, windy weather statewide last night. Winter in the islands has definitely arrived.

Did you have a chance yet to watch the latest issues-based video from the campaign? If not, go to the main page of this website, and scroll down a bit to see it. It’s on Rules and Regulations. Gov. Lingle wants to call attention to the unnecessarily burdensome rules and regulations imposed on people and businesses without proper regard for the negative consequences they will bring to those individuals and the economy.

Sometimes government presents a proposal that’s more of a sound-bite solution and does not take into account the full spectrum of the negative impact it carries for jobs, the economy, a particular industry or ordinary taxpayers.

We need to elect leaders like Gov. Lingle who will make sure voters are aware of the potential impact of a new rule or regulation so they can make an informed decision as to whether this is really something they want their government to enact.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday, and until tomorrow,

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

I’m sure you’re anxious to get started on your weekend. After having traveled abroad recently, on trips commemorating the heroic soldiers of the 442nd Battalion / 100th Infantry, and to Beijing to be part of a group working on strengthening ties via the China Association for International Friendly Contact (CAIFC), it’s good to be able to be at home and spend time with my family.

I’ve gotten tremendous positive feedback and enthusiastic interest in the new video the Linda Lingle Senate Campaign just released on federal rules and regulations. Gov. Lingle puts forth her idea to require a Jobs Impact Statement (JIS) to accompany each new federal rule and regulation. The JIS would bring greater transparency to government and provide people with a more complete understanding of any particular new rule and what risk it would present for jobs and the overall economy. The residents I have communicated with agree this is a common-sense approach to put government to work for all people of the Hawaii.

If you haven’t yet, take a moment to go and view it on the main page of this website: http://www.lingle2012.com. And share it with your friends! You can send them the website link, or direct them to our YouTube page, where there are more issues-based videos from Gov. Lingle: http://www.YouTube.com/Lingle2012.

I hope your weekend gets off to a terrific start, and until tomorrow.

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

GOV. LINGLE RELEASES NEW VIDEO
ON FEDERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

HONOLULU – Former Governor and current U.S. Senate candidate Linda Lingle released today the fourth in a series of videos detailing her positions on issues of importance to the people of Hawai’i.

This video, which is posted on the Lingle 2012 website and Lingle 2012 YouTube Channel, features Governor Lingle speaking on an issue that has tremendous significance for Hawai’i's working people as well as those across the country: unnecessarily burdensome rules and regulations imposed on people and businesses without proper regard for the negative consequences they will bring to those individuals and the economy.

“As I talk with people across our state about their everyday concerns, it’s clear these critical issues are important to Hawai’i residents,” said Governor Lingle. “This election must be focused on the issues rather than partisan rhetoric. I want to let people know my ideas, vision and plans for some of the top issues facing Hawai’i and our nation.”

The new video calls attention in this U.S. Senate campaign to the burdensome regulations that have been forced on Hawaii’s working people, unnecessarily hampering their ability to achieve success and prosperity.

Governor Lingle points out that the federal government needs to consider the impact their proposals will have on industry, jobs and the economy before passing legislation, so that whatever new rules are implemented, the people have first had a chance to carefully weigh whether the benefit is worth the cost.

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.

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Yesterday was a day I won’t soon forget, and I was honored to participate in the 70th Anniversary Ceremonies conducted at Pearl Harbor in honor of that “day of infamy” exactly seven decades ago.

Anyone who has been to Pearl Harbor is familiar with the sense of reverence that permeates those sacred waters because of the devastating attack that took place there. It was heart warming to see survivors, many more than I had expected to see, speak up and stand up during the ceremonies, calling out where they were that day, what branch of service they served in. These are living touchstones that we are fortunate to have among us to serve as a connection back to what happened that day.

Today brings us some exciting news as Linda Lingle’s Senate Campaign has released a new video; this one on Federal Rules and Regulations. We of course live in a society made up of rules and regulations, but when government begins imposing massive bureaucracies that drown small businesses, individuals and the economy in general, then it becomes essential that Americans be able to hear clearly why a rule is necessary and what that negative impact might be on their industry, their jobs, or their income.

Gov. Lingle is focused on bringing this issue to voters’ attention: That government must think about the impact of any new rule on Hawaii’s people. Specifically, she wants to require government produce a Jobs Impact Statement (JIS) that will serve as a transparent tool for government to be honest with us about what jobs will be lost if a particular new rule is implemented. The video is posted on our homepage.

I hope your day shines brightly today with aloha. Until tomorrow,

Best Regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

On a sunny Sunday morning, some 70 years ago, at 7:55 a.m. Hawaii time, America suffered a devastating attack on U.S. soil as the Japanese Imperial Army launched a sneak attack that nearly crippled our Navy and galvanized the will of our people to join in the cause of seeing freedom triumph in World War II.

Today marks the anniversary of that fateful day, and out of the wreckage of that event, we grew stronger, unified in purpose, and dedicated to making sure those fine, brave sailors, airmen and soldiers who died that day did not do so in vain.

Across our nation there will be ceremonies held in remembrance of this momentous day in our nation’s history. I was honored to represent Governor Lingle in an official capacity during ceremonies at Pearl Harbor today. It was humbling and inspiring to hear from survivors, their families and spend time at that sacred place and those hallowed waters.

I hope, at 7:55 a.m. today, you were able to take a moment to pause in reflection of the ultimate sacrifice made on our behalf 70 years ago, and how that honor is carried forward today by our servicemen and women, and all veterans who have served our country. If you see a serviceman or woman, be sure to say “mahalo.”

Have a productive day today and God bless America.

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

Tomorrow, Dec. 7, is an extremely important, emotional, and historical day for Hawaii: It’s the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. I’m looking forward to talking with some of the survivors and participating in the ceremonies that will be held to mark the day no one will ever forget. It was a tragic event in our nation’s history, but proved the universal truth that national catastrophes pull this great nation together in order to overcome and triumph to a greater prosperity.

That same optimism has permeated American culture for generations, and it’s an ideal that I share with Governor Lingle. She clearly sees the difficulties facing our nation including the struggling job market, the rising debt, and economic uncertainty, but she sees an opportunity for us to work together in a bipartisan way to find solutions to these challenges.

Please make sure you’re connected to the campaign by signing up today; just go to the main page on this website — http://www.lingle2012.com — and submit your name and email address in the red box.

Have a great day, and until tomorrow,

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

It’s great to be back home after nearly two weeks in China. The host government was most gracious to our delegation and made us feel welcome. We took away many good impressions of a growing and confident China that allowed us to see what we wanted to see. It’s impressive to observe how much this country has changed in just a few decades, where the quality of life has improved for millions of Chinese, and infrastructure such as roads, housing, and communications have also been enhanced to ensure a better quality of life.

I did observe instances where our American system is treasured by the Chinese. Under China’s one-child policy, parents in China (and just like parents in Hawaii) do their very best for their child so that their offspring can have more opportunities than the parents had. As an example, providing your child the best education possible leads to better opportunities in life.

Many in China are sending their only child to the United States for their college education. This is good for both countries where better, mutual understanding can develop. Additionally, our immigration laws should be changed to allow ALL foreign students the opportunity to work or start a business in the United States. Why would we want these smart students going back home to compete against us after completing their studies and training here?

Gov. Lingle strongly believes in implementing a common-sense approach to immigration that cuts through the partisan rancor that has clouded debate on the issue. Why WOULDN’T we want to do what’s necessary to encourage and allow these foreign students to stay in the U.S., especially after these highly trained individuals have studied here and learned about our American culture of opportunity, hard work, and dedication?

And the value of education is paramount in helping our youth realize their greatest potential. That’s why Governor spent 8 years dedicated to nurturing the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education programs across the state, resulting in a huge boost in those areas as well as a robotics program that, statewide, is a model for the nation.

“Robot Saturday” this past weekend proved to be the ultimate robotics double-header as over 100 teams from Hawaii, the Mainland, China, and Taiwan competed at the VEX Pan Pacific or the FIRST Lego League State Championships. This is Governor’s initiative, and it’s now in its fifth year. Today it is carried on by an engaged Robotics Organizing Committee and Friends of Hawaii Robotics, who support the six robotics education programs across Hawaii. I was proud to serve as Regional Director of Friends of Hawaii Robotics for over two years.

Continue reading below to see the Robotics Organizing Committee’s letter announcing the winners of the programs.

I hope your Monday starts off a very productive and healthy week for you.

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee
———————————–

VEX Pan Pacific and FIRST LEGO League State Championships

…. And the results are

Robot Saturday proved to be the ultimate robotics double-header as over 100 teams from Hawaii, the US Mainland, China, and Taiwan competed at either the VEX Pan Pacific or the FIRST Lego League State Championships.  Students from elementary through high school put their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to the test a friendly, spirited competition that pitted robots against robots, and showcased students’ ingenuity, teamwork and ability to think analytically under pressure.

The VEX tournament champions were Mililani High School and Iolani High School.  Other awards given at the tournament included:

• Tournament Finalist:  Mililani High School (1973D)
• Tournament Finalist:  Cheesy Poofs (254B)
• Tournament Finalist:  Hawaiian Kids (359B)
• Robot Skills Champion:  Hawaiian Kids (395A)
• Programming Skills Finalist:  Mililani High School (1973A)
• Design Award:  CAMS 687N
• Build Award:  ProjeXt (4194B)
• Innovate Award:  Seariders Robotics (3685B)
• Judges Award:  Waiakea Robotics (1056A)
• Create Award:  Kalani Falcons (3008A)
• Sportsmanship Award:  WaiNot (941A)
• Think Award:  808 Robotics (4109)
• Judges’ Award for Safety: Na Paniolo (2460A)
• Energy Award:  Lancer Robotics (2437Z)
• Amaze Award:  Mililani High School (1973)
• Excellence Award:  Waiakea IS VEX Team (382A)
• Excellence Award:  The Farrington Governors (2504A)

The FLL touranment champions were Punabots and ‘Iolani Neohawrks.  Other awards given at the tournament included:

Robot Design

•Mechanical Design -

First Place – 5206 – RAMBOTS-SPOX – Emmanuel Lutheran

Second Place – 7467 – ‘Iolani iBots – ‘Iolani School

•Programming -

First Place – 4274 – Goolan2 – Hawaii Technology Academy

Second Place – 4014 – Super Bees – E.B. de Silva Elementary

•Strategy & Innovation -

First Place – 2516 – BotBot Raiders – ‘Iolani School

Second Place – 4084 – Robo-Builders – King Kaumualii Elementary

CORE VALUE

•  Inspiration -

First Place – 4069 – Pauoa Robotics Ohana – Pauoa Elementary

Second Place – 370 – Green Geckos – Noelani Elementary

•   Teamwork -

First Place – 10615 – Molokai Blizzards Boyz – Molokai Intermediate

Second Place – 1876 – C.S.I. – Holomua Elementary

•  Gracious Professionalism -

First Place – 4311 – Oompah Loompahs – Molokai Intermediate

Second Place – 4008 – Highlands IS Team 1 – Highlands Intermediate

Project

•  Research -

First Place – 2669 – ‘Iolani Zoom Team – ‘Iolani School

Second Place – 7445 – Mechanical Menehune – Kamehameha Middle – Maui

•  Innovative Solution -

First Place – 7176 – Contrabanabages – Maunawili Elementary

Second Place – 4067 – Aina Haina Jagbots – Aina Haina Elementary

•  Presentation -

First Place – 1039 – Upcountry Crushers – Independent

Second Place – 8619 – International Buffet – Independent

Robot Performance

First Place – 2812 – Techno Laulau – Hawaii Technology Academy

Second Place – 4274 – Goolan2 – Hawaii Technology Academy

Great jobs to all the teams who participated in either the VEX Pan Pacific or the FIRST Lego League State Championships!  It was a fun day filled with family, friends, teamwork… and robots!

Thank you to our awesome teachers, staff, community, and volunteers for making both events a success!  The Friends of Hawaii Robotics would also like to thank our corporate sponsors for their unwaivering support!

I had an outstanding day yesterday at ROBOT SATURDAY! What an outstanding double-header event to honor excellence among student teams in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills for the 21st century.

There were some exemplary teams at the Blaisdell Center and Hawaii Convention Center yesterday, and I was marveling all day long at the technical feats the teams achieved in their competitions for the VEX Pan Pacific Championship and FIRST LEGO League Championship.

Elementary and high school teams battled it out all day, a real robot rumble. I saw so many families at both venues as well as Hawaii residents who wanted to see our students participate. It’s a great feeling knowing this type of competition makes quite an impression on our young minds while serving to encourage them down a path that will pay huge dividends for them, our state and country in the future.

Congratulations to the public and private schools who received awards and won their matches. Also, a sincere mahalo to the coaches and mentors who volunteered their time to ensure our students succeed.

When Gov. Lingle’s Administration first got involved with robotics education efforts, there were 95 existing teams in the state. Today, after considerable focus was placed on ensuring hands-on, STEM education through robotics principles is available to students from elementary through high school, there are 476 teams throughout the state. These teams represent nearly 60% of Hawaii’s public, private and charter schools, and I was thrilled to see many of them compete yesterday.

Over 5,500 students statewide are pushing themselves in this STEM arena and are making a brighter future for our state. Congratulations to all of them!  Let’s continue to encourage that pursuit of excellence.

Enjoy your day, and until tomorrow,

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

I hope your weekend is going well.

Yesterday brought more sad news for our state: Hawaii has lost another important member of our community. Ukulele virtuoso Bill Tapia passed away yesterday at the age of 103. The beloved performer was a living connection to Hawaii’s musical past and his hits have served as mainstays for generations of musicians who have followed him.

As we look forward to the future, today is ROBOT SATURDAY!

Recognizing the importance of promoting ROBOTICS at an early age and sustaining students’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education throughout their schooling, Hawaii’s six robotics programs have joined together to form the Hawaii Robotics Organizing Committee (ROC)

For the past five years, Hawaii’s six robotics programs are coordinating efforts to promote robotics education in elementary, middle and high schools statewide. As a critical component of the Hawaii Innovation Initiative, robotics engages students in STEM education and provides them with the teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need to compete in the 21st century workplace.

By strengthening these aptitudes and abilities in our young people, we are building a brighter future for our state.

So, today, the ROC will host teams from around our state (and some from the mainland and internationally) to compete in a double-header of the VEX Pan Pacific Robotics Championship at the Hawaii Convention Center and the annual FIRST LEGO LEAGUE (FLL) Championship at the Neal Blaisdell Center.

I will be at VEX in the morning followed by FLL in the afternoon. Please come by to watch our students participate in these exciting events, and they are FREE!

This afternoon is the big game for our Football Warriors against BYU at Aloha Stadium. I hope many of you who are going to the game will be loud and supportive for our home team. A win today and their goal of getting to the Hawaii Bowl will be realized, overcoming the challenges they’ve faced this season.

One thing I know about these student-athletes and coaching staff is that, win or lose, they will not make excuses for the end result. It’s an important element of good sportsmanship — you own up to your own failings, and of course gain credit when you succeed as a result of your own preparation and execution on the field.

It’s also a quality people respect in the real world. This is another reason I am supporting Gov.Linda Lingle. She has a proven track record, the character, and vision to best serve the people of Hawaii as their next United States Senator.

Enjoy your Saturday by coming by the Convention Center and the Blaisdell to watch our future workforce compete in robotics and then root our Warriors on to victory!

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

At the end of another week I’m sure many of you are looking forward to some down time or maybe getting a head start on your holiday shopping. You’ve got about three weeks left to finish up taking care of your “naughty and nice lists.” And as for me, when I shop, I know that I will have to stay within my holiday budget.

It seems so simple, and it’s something all Americans are doing to avoid serious negative consequences. But, unlike us, sound fiscal management policies have been in short supply in Washington, D.C., as politicians have, for years, abandoned this very basic principle.

The federal government’s spending binge has gone on so long, and so badly, that we are now facing a staggering $15 trillion national debt. To put that in perspective, if you lined up $15 trillion one-dollar bills, they would wrap around the Earth’s Equator over 58,000 times.

And what do our leaders in D.C. do when faced with this type of catastrophe? They sidestep responsibility and establish a “Super Committee” to take on the task. And as if that ducking of responsibility weren’t enough, the so-called “Super Committee” can’t see past the ingrained hyperpartisanship that permeates Washington to come to any kind of compromise and solution.

Fortunately, Governor Linda Lingle is completely focused on bringing her executive experience of working across party lines to achieve success that’s in the best interests of Hawaii’s people, and help solve this national crisis. She recognizes that many good deficit reduction solutions and proposals have been made by bipartisan groups, including President Obama’s own National Commission for Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (the “Simpson-Bowles” proposal), the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Debt Reduction Task Force (“Domenici-Rivlin” report), and the President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness.

With your support she will be elected to be our next U.S. Senator to represent Hawaii. She will have a single test for evaluating all legislation: If it’s good for the people of Hawaii, she’s for it; if it’s bad for Hawaii’s people, she’s against it. And that will allow her to find and implement balanced, prudent, common-sense solutions that cut to the heart of the issues we are facing.

Have a great aloha Friday, please sign-up to support our campaign, and then have a great weekend.

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

Yesterday I’m sure many of you saw the sad news about esteemed and well-respected University of Hawaii law professor Jon Van Dyke, who passed away Tuesday night while traveling in Australia. He was, as Sen. Daniel Akaka said, “a steadfast advocate for Native Hawaiian and civil rights, a leading expert on Hawaiian land and water rights law, and a tireless defender of public lands and natural resources,” and he will be sorely missed by his students, the faculty, and the community in Hawaii. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Sherry Broder and three children.

He deserves a lot of credit for helping shape the minds of tomorrow’s leaders and turning out educated students ready to become productive members of our community. And as we’ve seen with the recent global economic trends, we will need the best and brightest minds to strengthen our country and move it forward.  The next generation of leaders must be especially skilled in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Gov. Lingle recognizes the job opportunity these areas represent for strengthening our state and country’s economic situation.  As Governor points out, we can’t cut our way out of this fiscal mess and we certainly can’t tax our way out of it. The only way forward is a balanced approach that first seeks a renewed focus on growing the economy and creating more jobs as well as keeps government living within its means.

Enjoy your day, and until tomorrow,

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

P.S.: If you haven’t signed up for our campaign yet, please don’t delay!  There are lots of great activities scheduled in the weeks ahead.

I’m nearing the end of my trip here in China, and I’m looking forward to being back in Hawaii: There’s no place like home.

Once again, I want to thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm in spreading the word about Gov. Lingle’s campaign for U.S. Senate. She sincerely appreciates your help and knows she will only get to Washington, D.C. with your kokua.

Yesterday, Gov. Lingle sent a very important letter to the Department of Commerce, which oversees the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to voice her concern about a proposal that could have a tremendously negative impact on all of us here in Hawaii.

The proposal is to greatly expand a federally protected critical habitat for the Hawaiian monk seal. Of course Gov. Lingle has always been a vocal supporter for protecting the environment in sensible and sufficient ways. But she is concerned about the potential adverse impacts this rule could have on such important activities as clean energy projects (such as wave energy, ocean-thermal energy, and seawater air conditioning), aquaculture, fishing, military activities, harbor improvements and near-shore construction (including her airports highway modernization plans that were initiated during her time as Governor).

A prudent course of action is the one Gov. Lingle is calling on NOAA to follow: postpone action on this rule-making until such time as the economic and social consequences to the people of Hawaii are fully understood and addressed.

Please take a moment to read here the full letter Gov. Lingle sent yesterday to the Department of Commerce: http://www.lingle2012.com/news-releases/statement-on-proposed-federal-monk-seal-critical-habitat-designation-in-hawaii/.

Enjoy your Wednesday, and until tomorrow.

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

STATEMENT ON PROPOSED FEDERAL MONK SEAL CRITICAL HABITAT DESIGNATION IN HAWAII

HONOLULU – Former Governor Linda Lingle sent a letter today to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration regarding their proposed rule to designate the main Hawaiian Islands as a critical habitat for the Hawaiian Monk Seal.

She released the following statement:

“A recent proposal by the Federal Government to make 4,787 square miles of land and water in Hawaii a federal critical habitat is another example of government over-reach and insensitivity to the concerns of the people of this State.

“I am calling upon the federal Department of the Commerce to postpone this action until such time as the economic and social consequences to the people of Hawaii are fully understood and addressed.

“While I support efforts to protect and preserve endangered species, such as the Hawaiian Monk Seal, these efforts should be carried out with a sensitivity to the people and activities they impact. And they should be based on extensive public input and solid economic and scientific data.

“The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is proposing to designate almost the entire coastlines and surrounding waters of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau and Kahoolawe as a critical habitat for monk seals. The designation would include the shorelines up to 16 feet inland and the oceans out to a depth of 1,640 feet. The total area would cover 4,787 square miles. To put this into perspective, the entire State of Hawaii is 6,459 square miles. The habitat would be equal to almost 75% of the size of our State.

“NOAA published their proposed rule last June in a Federal publication that few citizens read (The Federal Register). They gave the public only 90 days to respond to a proposed rule that could last for over 50 years. Only after receiving letters from elected officials who were alerted by concerned fishermen, native Hawaiian groups, and community activists, did NOAA agree to re-open the public comment period.

“As the former Governor of the State of Hawaii, I am concerned about the potential adverse impacts this rule could have on such important activities as clean energy projects (such as wave energy, ocean-thermal energy, and seawater air conditioning), aquaculture, fishing, military activities, harbor improvements and near-shore construction (including airports modernization and highway reconstruction). NOAA’s economic report acknowledges that insufficient information currently exists to measure the financial impacts on these activities.

“NOAA also acknowledges the monk seal population has been declining in those areas where the critical habitat designation has been in place for over 20 years (the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands) but the seal population has been increasing where no designation is in place (the main Hawaiian islands).

“These proposed rules are yet another example of the ‘one size fits all’ approach from the Federal Government in Washington, D.C. I believe it is essential that we put People First and find solutions that allow the seal population to increase without adversely harming humans.

“Given the large size of the proposed habitat designation, the extended length of time it could be in place, the fact that the seals are doing better in the main islands without a habitat designation and that most of the economic impacts have not been quantified, I am calling upon NOAA and its parent agency, the Department of the Interior, to postpone action on their rule-making until such time as the economic and social consequences to the people of Hawaii are fully understood and addressed.”

# # # #

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.

For more information, contact:

Corrie Heck
Deputy Communications Director
Linda Lingle Senate Committee
corrie@Lingle2012.com
808.351.3865

Russell Pang
Media Relations
russell@Lingle2012.com
808.382.7023

Paid for by Linda Lingle Senate Committee

I hope your week got off to a great start yesterday, and you’re still having good feelings from the holiday weekend.

We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from Governor Lingle’s latest video on JOBS. If you haven’t had a chance to watch it, visit the campaign website’s main page (http://www.Lingle2012.com). All around our state and the rest of the country, we continue to hear from citizens how they are tired of campaigns that avoid the difficult issues and politicians who are part of the hyper-partisan politics that plague our government.

Fortunately Linda Lingle was not that kind of Mayor or Governor and is not that kind of candidate. And, she won’t be that kind of Senator. These issue videos that are focused on the economy, jobs, and will be released on immigration, tourism, and bipartisanship will inform the electorate and show them how focused Governor Lingle is on solving our country’s problems, not indulging in political gamesmanship.

Finally, we are making an impact via social media. Our campaign Facebook page (http://www.Facebook.com/Lingle2012) hit 500 “likes” today.  It’s only the beginning; please make sure you’re connected, and click “Invite Friends” on the page to encourage others to get connected as well!

I hope your Tuesday is a productive one. Until tomorrow.

Best regards,
Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

On this Monday, I hope you are feeling the sense of optimism and enthusiasm I’m feeling as we unwrap another issues-based video for Governor Lingle’s campaign for U.S. Senate.

If you didn’t have a chance to watch either of the first two videos, check up on our YouTube site at the below links to see the 90-second spots. They’re just another example of how Gov. Lingle is keeping her campaign focused on issues and solutions, and how she plans to address the major crises facing our nation when she is elected to the Senate.

The first video is a “table of contents” outlining the major issues the video series will cover. View it at:
http://www.youtube.com/lingle2012#p/u/5/BjdxPL3Oepw

The second video is focused on the economy, and the need to grow it to help our nation overcome the challenges we face. See it here: http://www.youtube.com/lingle2012#p/u/4/jFVgxZO8NwE.

This morning’s new video is focused on Jobs — a topic that I’m sure every single one of you reading this blog entry is keenly interested in. A unique plan Gov. Lingle has been encouraging is requiring that any new government regulation be accompanied by a Jobs Impact Statement, so the public can be aware of how this new rule or regulation is expected to impact jobs. In my opinion, it’s just another example of Governor’s leadership in seeking low-cost solutions to help increase jobs at a time our nation so desperately needs them.

Take a moment and visit our main page on the website (http://www.Lingle2012.com) to watch this video, and make sure you tell your ‘ohana and friends about it as well.

Have a great week!

Best regards,
Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

P.S. – Have you signed up to volunteer yet? It’s quick, easy and ESSENTIAL to get Gov. Lingle elected and fighting for Hawaii and this nation: http://www.lingle2012.com/volunteer-hawaii-senator/

I hope your weekend has been relaxing, rejuvenating and full of rejoicing with your ‘ohana. And I know the whole state is still savoring the victory last night by the University of Hawaii Football Warriors over Tulane University! That keeps our hopes alive for a bowl bid.

I want to extend a special congratulations to the HHSAA football powerhouse out on the North Shore, the Kahuku Red Raiders! Congrats on winning the state football championship over Punahou. Congrats also to the Buff n’ Blue who did their school, parents, alumni and fans proud.

Congratulations are also in order for ‘Iolani for winning the Division II Championship. Waipahu played hard, but came up a bit short.

Yesterday was a big day across the state and nation, as a new tradition for the Saturday after Thanksgiving took hold: “Small Business Saturday.”  Many of you are already familiar with “Black Friday,” the frenzied shopping day after Thanksgiving. And in recent years, “Online Monday” has also become a popular phrase for conducting online shopping the Monday after Thanksgiving.

I like “Small Business Saturday” because it advocates for our small businesses, which are Hawaii’s economic backbone.  Supporting the entrepreneurs is something that Governor Lingle has done her entire career. She recognizes the vital importance small businesses represent for the state and nation. As she spreads her message of what she wants to accomplish as Hawaii’s next U.S. Senator to help bring our economy out of its doldrums, small business remains a major focus on her plan.

Most businesses in Hawaii are small businesses, and the phrase “buy local” has special significance in Hawaii, with our affinity for mom-and-pop stores. Governor Lingle has always stood shoulder-to-shoulder with those economic drivers, recognizing the hard work, dedication, and tremendous benefit they represent.

I know our stores statewide were busy throughout the weekend and will be online tomorrow as you continue your holiday shopping. Besides making someone smile with a gift, you’re helping grow our local economy.

Enjoy your Sunday and take good care.

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

Like you, I know it’s good to still be in the middle of an extended holiday weekend.  I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends.

Many of you are already aware of, and interacting with, our Linda Lingle Campaign Twitter account (@Lingle2012), but I also was pleased to hear Gov. Lingle has started Tweeting from her own personal account (@Linda_Lingle). One of the things about Governor that has always impressed me is how forward-thinking she is on utilizing technology, both in terms of how government functions, but also its capability as a tool for mass communications.

I encourage you to “follow” Gov. Lingle on Twitter, and give her a welcome to the Twittersphere. And who knows, maybe Governor will be able to get this old warhorse to start sending off Tweets as well!

And speaking of technology, a sight here in China brought a smile to my face. I saw a Chinese policeman using the Chinese version of the Segway for crowd control in Tianamen Square in Beijing (see photo at the end of this blog post). The Segway, as you know, was invented by Gov. Lingle’s friend, Dean Kamen, who is also the leading figure in robotics education for youth. Dean has always been a big supporter of Gov. Lingle’s efforts to ramp up innovation in science and technology in Hawaii.

He shares her vision that encouraging science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education among young people will inevitably lead to new econmic opportunities in areas like agriculture, renewable energy, ocean resources and the environment.

Enjoy your Saturday,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

A Chinese policeman uses the Chinese version of the Segway for crowd control in Tianamen Square in Beijing.

I hope you all had an enjoyable Thanksgiving and were able to spend time with loved ones.

Here in China, I wasn’t able to secure a turkey for our Thanksgiving meal, but we were able to enjoy a delicious Peking Duck dinner. Life is an adventure.

Our trip here has been under the care of Vice President Li Xiaohua (in the photo at the bottom of this post, he is third from the right) of the China Association for International Friendly Contact (CAIFC). Vice President Li sends his regards to Gov. Lingle and best wishes on her campaign.

The highlight of my trip so far has been our delegation’s visit to the Chinese People’s Armed Police Academy. This is where they train their police and law enforcement officers for international U.N. peacekeeping duties. They currently have forces in Bosnia, East Timor, and many African countries and take this U.N. mission seriously, since China is one of the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council.

Like Gov. Lingle, I believe fostering relations between our countries in areas such as peacekeeping training is mutually beneficial. On my trip I have seen many opportunities for future sharing of experiences with the Hawaii National Guard’s peacekeeping training of Indonesian forces for UN duty in the Middle East.

Building on ties forged during the years of Gov. Lingle’s eight years as Hawaii’s governor, where she made multiple trips to Beijing and strengthened ties that helped Hawaii business and the tourism industry is an opportunity I’m grateful to have on this trip.

I hope you continue to enjoy your long weekend with friends and familly.

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

P.S.: Stay logged in to this website. Monday we’ll be launching a new issue video.  Sign up today to be a supporter if you want to get a “first look.”

Being on the other side of the world for this cherished American holiday reinforced in me a renewed emphasis on the real reason behind the special day: To give thanks for life’s many blessings.

It’s always good to remind ourselves that there are others less fortunate. And, like you, we reach out today to support others in various ways. After all, we are one ‘ohana.

It’s also a wonderful time to think of those serving our country here and those deployed across the world and away from their own families. It was my privilege and great honor to serve with them, and it goes without saying that each man and woman in uniform are heroes in my book.

Governor Lingle and I have never known a service member who didn’t appreciate being told how much they are valued. So if you see a military member today, be sure tell them mahalo.

Be safe today, and enjoy the time with your ‘ohana and friends.

Have a happy, healthy aloha-filled Thanksgiving,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

Last night, Governor Lingle was honored by and spoke at the Associated Builders and Contractors Hawaii Chapter awards dinner.  Many local small businesses were recognized for their ingenuity, commitment to green building practices, and other areas which demonstrated excellence in construction.

These community leaders, representing a very large segment of the local business community, are very special to Gov. Lingle. She was able to share her strong feelings with them that people are fed up with the gridlock America is suffering due to paralyzing partisanship, and the need for real leaders to step up and have the courage to find common ground and solve some of the major challenges we face as a state and nation.

As small business owners, they all were very receptive to her message of fiscal responsibility and the need for government to live within its means, and for too long, our federal government has ignored this basic mandate.

I hope you’ll take a moment and sign up on the campaign website to receive regular email updates. Go to the home page, and plug in your information in the red box.

Enjoy your last day before a long holiday weekend!

Best regards,
Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

I’m sure many of you heard the extremely disappointing news yesterday about the so-called “Super Committee.” This group of United States legislators was charged with identifying at least $1.2-$1.5 trillion in savings for the federal budget over the next ten years.  Late yesterday they admitted their failure to do so ahead of the deadline set for tomorrow.  What a disappointment.

This stalemate is now supposed to trigger automatic spending cuts across all layers of government, but there are already hints that Congress would find a way around them. The Associated Press reports that analysts are saying that could lead to another downgrade of the U.S. credit rating.

Given our serious economic challenges, the tumultuous financial markets, and the gridlock in Congress, the Committee’s work was of the utmost importance to our nation. This “super” committee could easily have been named a “crisis” committee based on the critical progress that should have come from the discussions.

I share Gov. Linda Lingle’s sense of frustration at the lack of leadership evident among our elected leaders who were involved with this effort. In a statement released hours after the collapse of the committee, Gov. Lingle stressed the importance of Congress and the Administration re-asserting their roles as the elected political leaders of this nation to get directly and responsibly involved immediately in order to resolve this deficit crisis — and Governor Lingle could not be more correct in assessing this urgent need. Click here to read her full statement on the issue.

As usual, Gov. Lingle is doing more than simply identifying the problem. Yesterday, she pointed out that there have been avenues the two political parties could be pursuing — legitimate options to stave off further economic damage to our economy. These include the balanced proposals offered by the Bipartisan Policy Center, on which she serves as a founding member of the Governors’ Advisory Council. The Center’s proposals mirror many proposals from the Bowles-Simpson National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, which offered some honest, realistic solutions.

No one in Hawaii or in the nation can afford to allow our government to surrender to highly partisan gridlock. While the drama plays out in Washington, D.C., we must work hard every day to elect real leaders like Gov. Lingle to the Senate.  She will always set aside blind party loyalty and do what’s best for the people Hawaii and our county.

Be well today, and until tomorrow,

Best regards,
Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

P.S. Have you seen Gov. Lingle’s latest video? It’s an issues-based, 90-second video on the economy, and it’s posted on our home page here: www.lingle2012.com.

STATEMENT FROM GOV. LINDA LINGLE ON SUPER COMMITTEE

HONOLULU – Former Governor Linda Lingle, candidate for Hawaii’s U.S. Senate seat, released the following statement today on the news that the Congressional Super Committee was unable to agree on a debt reduction plan:

“Like most of the American people, I am deeply disappointed that the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction or “Super Committee” established by Congress to address our Federal government’s deficit, has failed to agree on any solution.  This inaction comes on the heels of last week’s announcement that our national debt exceeded $15 trillion for the first time in our history.

The Committee’s failure is not the result of a lack of good ideas to solve our federal budget crisis, but rather a lack of leadership. It is now time for Congress and the Administration to re-assert their roles as the elected political leaders of this nation in order to directly and responsibly resolve this deficit crisis.

That is why I am running for the U.S. Senate seat in Hawaii. As a former Mayor and Governor, as well as someone who has always balanced my personal budget, I know that elected officials are expected to make difficult decisions when it is in the best long-run interests of the public. I have demonstrated in my public career that I can work with Republicans, Democrats and Independents, to get the job done.

There are sensible proposals already available to cut federal spending, raise additional revenues and grow our economy. These include the balanced proposals offered by the Bipartisan Policy Center, on which I serve as a founding member of the Governors’ Advisory Council. The Center’s proposals mirror in key areas the proposals from the Bowles-Simpson National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, convened by President Obama.

The people of Hawaii, and the American people in general, deserve to know their elected leaders can work together for the good of our country. That is why I am running for the United States Senate to return responsible, bipartisan leadership to Washington, D.C.”

# # # #

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.

For more information, contact:

Russell Pang
Media Relations
russell@Lingle2012.com
808.382.7023

Corrie Heck
Deputy Communications Director
Linda Lingle Senate Committee
corrie@Lingle2012.com
808.351.3865

Today is going to be an extra-special day for Hawaii as the Army plans to welcome home our own 25th Infantry Division’s headquarters unit. These brave American heroes are due for a welcoming ceremony at Wheeler Army Airfield this afternoon to celebrate their homecoming.

For the families of these wonderful men and women as well as the nation indebted to them, it is a day to rejoice. And for all those soldiers who have gave the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of freedom we enjoy today, we pause in great gratitude.

Having attended many of these homecoming events as well as the deployment ceremonies during my eight years as State Adjutant General for Hawaii, I can tell you there are few more joyous occasions for these families than to see their loved ones return safely. Gov. Linda Lingle always took great pleasure and honor in attending these events as a small way of showing her appreciation for the men and women of our military whom she has always supported unequivocally.

The pride we all feel at these soldiers’ return was mirrored in a recent ceremony held to present a long-overdue Bronze Star Medal to an 87-year-old former World War II rifleman and retired Honolulu lawyer, Staff Sgt. (ret.) Arthur E. Ross. The medal was presented at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The event recognized Ross’ bravery in serving during the Battle of the Bulge, a major winter offensive launched by the German army against Allied forces in the Ardennes region of Belgium in late 1944. It was ranked as the bloodiest battle fought by U.S. soldiers during World War II. SSG Ross’ heroism will live forever.

I know Gov. Lingle joins me in saluting SSG Ross, all of our returning Army soldiers, and the men and women who daily answer the call to defend our country.

Enjoy your Monday and I hope your week gets off to a great start!

Best regards,
Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

P.S.: If you haven’t yet joined our campaign, please do so today at http://www.lingle2012.com/volunteer-hawaii-senator/.

Although our Hawaii Warriors football team lost a close one to Fresno State last night, I was pleased to see they played hard and never gave up, even when they were down early on in the game. It’s a credit to the character of those young men, no matter the final score against a quality opponent in Fresno State.

Here in China, I’ve been keeping tabs on news back home. I read in various media reports that our state unemployment rate has continued to increase for the fourth consecutive month, 6.5% – the highest level in a year. The quotes from Leroy Laney, economic adviser to First Hawaiian Bank, stated, ”It’s unsettling to find the unemployment rate is increasing,” Laney said. “As we’ve gone on in 2011, the recovery was always slow, but it’s slowing down even more.”

Many people in Hawaii, and across the nation, are hurting, and now more than ever we need solutions from true leaders, and we need those leaders to step up and chart a course back to prosperity.

Also, the bipartisan Congressional Supercommittee – charged with drawing up plans for a reduction in the nation’s deficit by the middle of next week – is running out of time. If they fail to overcome their political differences and  are unable to collaborate on real solutions, they risk triggering severe spending cuts across the board. According to an article in The Guardian (U.K.), some economists are warning that those severe spending cuts and failure to satisfactorily address our fiscal crisis could result in a further debt downgrade. The article quotes Paul Ashworth, chief North American economist at Capital Economics, as saying “Debt is on an unsustainable path, and if they can’t reach an agreement on this, it doesn’t look good for the future.”

But as frustrating as this partisan bickering is, and as distressing as the crisis facing our state and country is to many of you, and to me, there is a way forward.

We have in our hands the potential to put in place elected leaders in 2012 who will work together, with a unity of purpose on common ground to achieve real solutions.

Gov. Linda Lingle is clearly one of those leaders and she is the best choice in the U.S. Senate race for Hawaii. Her focus on Hawaii’s interests over political party, including a career spent dedicated to fiscal discipline in government spending, and a long history of success working across political party aisles to achieve what is best for the people of our state, emphasizes this point.

I hope your Sunday is enjoyable. Please take 90 seconds to watch the new ECONOMY video on the front page of this website, connect to the campaign on Facebook, and sign up to volunteer or donate. Your support will make a difference!

Best regards,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

As you read this in Hawaii on Saturday morning, it will actually be the early hours of Sunday morning — it’s 18 hours ahead here in Beijing. As I mentioned yesterday, I’m in China for the China Associations for International Friendly Contacts. It’s a gathering of former generals and admirals to discuss how to work closer with China on responding to national disasters, piracy, and other opportunities to improve “friendly” relations.

Cooperation and collaboration are key principles to keep in front of us during summits such as these in China. As a retired Major General, I can tell you without hesitation, the single greatest asset any military unit has in achieving success is the ability to work together toward a common goal. Unity of purpose is something that we heard again and again during the weeks we recently spent honoring the 442nd Regiment / 100th Battalion / MIS veterans with the ceremonies in Bruyeres, France and the Congressional Gold Medal in Washington, D.C.

As I traveled around our beautiful state, I’ve seen a shared sense of purpose among supporters for Gov. Lingle and her Senate campaign. The people of Hawaii clearly want Linda Lingle’s values of fiscal responsibility and collaboration in the nation’s Capitol.

Please take a moment to volunteer to help Gov. Lingle win election to the U.S. Senate in 2012. This is your chance to be part of a historic campaign that will send a leader to Washington. D.C who will always put “people first.”

Enjoy your weekend,

Best,
Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

PS: If you haven’t watched Gov. Lingle’s new video on the ECONOMY, please view it now on the front page of www.lingle2012.com.

HONOLULU – Former Governor and U.S. Senate candidate Linda Lingle released today the second in a series of videos detailing her positions on issues of importance to the people of Hawaii.

This video, which is posted on the Lingle 2012 website and Lingle 2012 YouTube Channel, features Governor Lingle speaking on the most pressing issue facing the nation and Hawai‘i: the economy.

“As I talk with people across our state about their everyday concerns, it’s clear these critical issues are important to Hawaii residents,” said Governor Lingle. “This election must be focused on the issues rather than partisan rhetoric. I want to let people know my ideas, vision and plans for some of the top issues facing Hawai‘i and our nation.”

The new video, the first of two in which Governor Lingle discusses the economy, focuses on her belief that there is a strong need for restoring confidence in government leadership and the long-term certainty that businesses need in order to thrive and create jobs. Governor Lingle’s way forward is a balanced approach that does not depend entirely on taxing or cutting, but rather growing the economy to overcome the fiscal crisis facing us all.

Over the next eight weeks, the Lingle campaign will roll out other videos that focus on reducing burdensome regulations by federal agencies that negatively impact jobs and the economy; ensuring a fair and transparent tax system; approaching immigration policy on a rational basis versus an emotional basis that preserves the value of immigrants to America’s culture and America’s economy; developing a coherent policy framework to promote the tourism industry in America; bringing proven bipartisan experience to Washington; and keeping our commitment to seniors while taking action to reform social security and Medicare to ensure they can become strong and sustainable once again.

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.

###

For more information, contact:

Russell Pang
Media Relations
russell@Lingle2012.com
808.382.7023
Corrie Heck
Deputy Communications Director
Linda Lingle Senate Committee
corrie@Lingle2012.com
808.351.3865

I hope your week went well, and I’m sure you’re all looking forward to some time off this weekend to relax, especially if you’re fortunate to have the weekend off. This week, I’ve been enjoying reconnecting with a lot of the folks that I grew close with, working with in the Army Reserve, Hawaii National Guard or in the shipyard.

They’ve heard about what I’m doing now, helping Gov. Lingle as campaign manager for her candidacy for Hawaii’s U.S. Senate. They have been nothing but supportive of the Governor and her message of fiscal responsibility, executive independent leadership, and focus on the interests of Hawaii’s people over party loyalty.

These folks are the salt of the Earth and true patriots. One guy that I ran into at the airport while waiting for my flight to Maui for a meeting with campaign supporters was a fellow named David. He left the Reserves after 13 years due to business and family demands. But now he wants to complete his 20 years, and we are signing him up in the Hawaii Air Guard’s Maui Communications Squadron.

I had an outstanding meeting with supporters on Maui, and you can see some photos from my visit below. There was a lot of enthusiasm, energy and focus on the important issues we’re faced with and that Gov. Lingle is taking out on the campaign trail. One aspect of the campaign that is resonating with everyone I talk with is the nature of the Lingle Campaign: It’s focused on issues, not personalities or attacks.

I’m sure many of you saw the overview segment of a new series of issues-based videos the campaign released last week. Today we released the first issue-specific video on the economy. In the video, Gov. Lingle lays out her straightforward, common sense beliefs on how we can get this country back on track. Please check out the new video on the campaign website.

My friends, I’m leaving today for China for the China Associations for International Friendly Contacts. It’s a gathering of former generals and admirals to discuss how to work closer with China on responding to national disasters, piracy, and other opportunities to improve “friendly” relations with this important Asian economic powerhouse. Coming together in responding to mutually threatening issues or potential threats can be a strong step toward building trust and bridges that can only benefit both countries in the long run, and I’m proud to be a part of this.

Enjoy the last day of the week and I will continue to enjoy coffee with you (although I might be drinking tea) from China!

Best,
Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

Maj. Gen. (ret.) Robert Lee, campaign manager for Linda Lingle's Senate Campaign, addresses Maui supporters.

Maui supporters of Linda Lingle for Senate Campaign greet Maj. Gen. Robert Lee, the campaign manager, with lei.

Maui supporters of Linda Lingle for Senate Campaign turn out for a meeting with Major General (ret.) Robert Lee, the campaign manager.

Well folks, it’s official: The U.S. debt has surpassed the $15 trillion mark. It was only a matter of time — when you couple uncontrolled spending and a sagging economy with no game plan to make up the difference in loss of tax receipts, the federal deficit will simply continue to grow astronomically. The Treasury Department reported that the total leaped $56 billion in JUST ONE DAY.

If that isn’t a wake-up call to us all to elect leaders who will work together to face a common goal — our gargantuan debt — then I don’t know what is.

This gets back to the entire purpose of the Bipartisan Policy Council’s political summit yesterday, which Gov. Lingle participated in. Kiki McLean, former senior adviser to Hillary Clinton, said in the “Common Ground: Opportunities for Political Progress” segment that when we set aside blind allegiance to a political party and collaborate with a genuine goal to SOLVE these issues, not just do what’s political expedient, our country accomplishes truly great things.

Yesterday’s event covered a broad spectrum of topics, and Gov. Lingle was honored to have been invited to participate in the important discussions.

I, like you, believe we need to move this country forward by electing strong leaders who are unafraid of breaking party ranks if it means doing the right thing for America’s people. Many speakers, Republican and Democrat, yesterday returned again and again to that refrain. We simply cannot afford the polarizing tone of debate that is D.C. politics today.  And, I know you will not stand idly by while this crushing debt gets passed on to our children, our grandchildren, and on.

So get involved, get informed. Hear what the candidates have to say. Gov. Lingle has already sent out an overview video detailing the big issues she has heard, and knows, are top of mind for Hawaii and the nation . In the coming days and weeks, more specific issues videos will be available for you to review.

Visit the Bipartisan Policy Center’s website to see the opening panel session, “Common Ground: Opportunities for Political Progress,” featuring John Harwood, Sen. Trent Lott, Kiki McLean and Steve McMahon.

Be well today, and until tomorrow,

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

Nov. 16, 2011

By Matthew Ericson, Jacob Harris, Alan McLean, Kevin Quealy, Jennifer Steinhauer, Jeremy White, Derek Willis and Jeff Zeleny

Toss Up: Hawaii – The retirement of Senator Daniel K. Akaka has made a reliably Democratic seat a tossup. Republicans recruited former Gov. Linda Lingle, a popular figure in the state. She will face the Democratic winner from a primary that includes Representative Mazie K. Hirono, who fell short to Ms. Lingle in the 2002 governor’s race. With President Obama on the ballot in his native state, Democrats would ordinarily have an edge, but Ms. Lingle could change the equation.

I was pleased to see early coverage following APEC’s conclusion that highlighted how many business leaders and travel experts saw the long-term benefit of Hawaii as a serious location for lucrative meetings and conventions.

Another important positive outcome from APEC was President Obama’s signing of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Act of 2011. This piece of legislation immediately drew the attention, and praise, of Gov. Lingle, who took the extra step of giving credit where credit is due by sending a formal letter to Sens. Akaka and Inouye, singling them out for praise in introducing what the president called “an APEC business gold card.”

Helping Hawaii and the rest of the United States expand into growing Asia-Pacific markets while creating jobs at home is something Gov. Lingle sees as an essential component in recovering and strengthening our economy. She’s also seen, firsthand, the onerous process tourists in China must undergo in order to come visit our country. It would be short-sighted for our nation not to revamp and revise our travel visa procedures. As Senator, Gov. Lingle would work to expedite the process and capture more of this segment of the tourist market.

Continue reading below to see the full text of Gov. Lingle’s letter to Sens. Akaka and Inouye, complimenting them for their important work on helping Hawaii.

Irrespective of party of origin, laws that benefit Hawaii’s people, and the country overall, will always earn Linda Lingle’s praise.

Be well, and have a great day.

Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

PS: Gov. Lingle is participating today at the Bipartisan Policy Center political summit.  Check out: www.bipartisanpolicy.org/nola2011

————

November 15, 2011

The Honorable Senator Daniel K. Inouye
722 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-1102

The Honorable Senator Daniel Akaka
141 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator Inouye and Senator Akaka:

I am writing to commend you for introducing the “Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Act of 2011,” which was passed by Congress on November 4 and signed by President Obama at APEC on November 12.

I am certain that many U.S. travelers will take advantage of the act’s APEC Business Travel Card, which will provide them with expedited visa interviews and access to fast-track immigration lanes at the 19 APEC countries that have passed similar laws. I am also encouraged by progress on the Trusted Traveler cooperation arrangements with the Republic of Korea and Singapore, success of which will allow eligible citizens from those countries easier business travel to the United States.

I urge Congress and the Administration to act expeditiously to implement Trusted Traveler bilateral agreements with more APEC countries to produce faster access for Asian tourists seeking to visit the United States. Toward that end, I write in support of Senate Bill 1746, introduced on October 20, 2011, by Senator Charles Schumer and Senator Mike Lee, that would make the visa applications for Chinese and Canadian visitors to the United States easier. In particular, I support the application of modern technology to the U.S. visa issuance process, such as use of video-conferencing for interviews.

When I was Governor, I had the opportunity to “walk” the U.S. visitor visa issuance process in Korea (before it became a visa waiver country) and China, including the long lines that visitors from those countries had to endure to apply for a tourist visa to visit Hawai‘i. I fully support ensuring that our home- land security is protected, but my experiences drove home to me how difficult we have made the process for genuine travelers or return visitors to travel to Hawai‘i and the rest of America.

I would be prepared to testify in support of Senate Bill 1746 when it is scheduled for a hearing before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

APEC is the latest of many examples of the interest that travelers from Asia have to visit Hawai‘i. I thank you for your work toward facilitating travel and look forward to further progress in this important sector for our nation’s and Hawai‘i’s economy.

Mahalo and aloha,
Linda Lingle

P.O. BOX 4559 HONOLULU, HAWAI‘I 96812

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Senate candidate Linda Lingle, the former two-term governor of Hawaii, will participate in the Bipartisan Policy Center’s (BPC) third annual political summit, Taking the Poison Out of Partisanship, at Tulane University in New Orleans, beginning Wednesday, Nov. 16. Hosted in part by the popular political duo James Carville and Mary Matalin, more than a dozen current and former elected officials, national political strategists from both sides of the aisle, and prominent journalists will also attend.

Gov. Lingle, who announced Oct. 11 her campaign to represent Hawaii in the U.S. Senate, is a founding member of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Governors Council, part of the think-tank that actively promotes bipartisanship, in addressing key challenges facing the nation.

“As someone elected to represent all the people of Hawaii, I’ve always followed the philosophy that good solutions transcend political parties,” said Gov. Lingle. “It’s an honor to be part of the Bipartisan Policy Center and to work with Democrats, Republicans and Independents to explore positive ways to address the many challenges facing our nation while overcoming non-productive partisan politics.”

The BPC regularly convenes events like Bridge-Builder Breakfasts, political summits and timely policy discussions to foster an ongoing conversation about how to overcome political divides and help make our government work better.

“Gov. Lingle, as a founding member of the BPC’s Governors Council, already has a long track record of bipartisan success,” said Campaign Manager and former Hawaii State Adjutant General Bob Lee. “People know she’s focused on practical, common-sense solutions, as highlighted by her litmus test for all legislation: If it’s good for the people of Hawaii, she’s for it; if it’s bad for Hawaii’s people, she’s against it. That kind of no-nonsense approach has garnered her respect statewide as well as from around the country.”

Included in Wednesday’s BPC agenda are meetings that will explore common ground opportunities for political progress, finding consensus on immigration issues, and a session on issues that transcend partisanship.

Ahead of the actual summit, a special Governors Council meeting will take place tonight. Gov. Lingle, who sits on the council along with five past U.S. governors, will join in discussing the intergovernmental tax system, Medicaid, the Joint Select Committee on Debt, Homeland Security, and immigration, among other topics.

Parts of the summit will be streamed live online on the Bipartisan Policy Center website at www.bipartisanpolicy.org.

To find out more information about the Linda Lingle Senate Campaign, visit the campaign website at www.Lingle2012.com; visit the campaign Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Lingle2012; and follow the campaign Twitter account at www.Twitter.com/Lingle2012.

###

For more information, contact:

Russell Pang
Director-Media Relations
russell@lingle2012.com
808.382.7023

Corrie Heck
Deputy Communications Director
corrie@lingle2012.com
808.351.3865
Paid for by Linda Lingle Senate Committee

Hopefully your week is headed in a positive direction as you have your morning beverage and read my blog.

I’m sure you are glad to be returning to a sense of normalcy in your daily routine, including driving routes, now that APEC is pau and the dignitaries have departed the state.

Speaking of traveling, Gov. Lingle has arrived in New Orleans for the third annual Bipartisan Policy Council (BPC) Summit. A detailed explanation of this noteworthy think tank can be found here http://www.bipartisanpolicy.org/about.

It is important to note the significance of the BPC: setting aside political party allegiance in favor of finding common ground and workable solutions to the challenges facing our nation.

Gov. Lingle is a founding member of the BPC’s Governors Council, a group of former governors from both parties. Governor Lingle was asked to be part of this council, not only out of the high regard in which she is held, but for her ability to work across party lines to achieve success that benefits all people, not just a political party’s agenda.  For me, that is quite a testimonial!

This week’s summit entitled, “Taking the Poison out of Partisanship,” is reflective of the larger goals of the BPC: seeking principled solutions through rigorous analysis, reasoned negotiation, and respectful dialogue. It’s an essential effort to bring Republicans and Democrats together on the difficult issues facing our country.

The two-day event will explore opportunities to find common ground on immigration, Medicaid, Homeland Security, the Joint Select Committee on Debt and other issues that transcend partisanship.

Read here to find out more about the event that starts today with a Governors Council Meeting and continues through Wednesday with the BPC Summit.

I hope your Tuesday is productive and I will chat with you again tomorrow.

Have a great day.

Best,
Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

Many of you had a three-day weekend, thanks to Friday’s commemoration’s honoring American heroes — Veterans Day.  Hopefully you had a chance to thank a man or woman in uniform for their service to our country.

The official parts of the APEC summit wrapped up yesterday, and by almost all accounts, Hawaii residents deserve a lot of credit for the aloha and patience through the week.  Each of us were able to navigate around changing security restrictions, while making the necessary adjustments to accommodate visiting dignitaries from around the world. We showed the world what a truly world-class destination Hawaii is for major events, and showcased our state’s potential to figure prominently in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific regional economy.

It was good to hear President Obama single out the Pacific Rim as an area with vast potential for growing jobs in the United States.  Governor Lingle, in her time as Governor and continuing through to her campaign now for U.S. Senator, has recognized what an enormous opportunity this is for Hawaii.  She has emphasized how we can continue to build ties among Asia-Pacific leaders, both in government and the private sector, to tap into the region as fuel for the economy.

Bringing our economies closer through cooperation among nations will lead to more jobs, here in Hawaii and in our nation. It is truly a worthwhile path to prosperity that Gov. Lingle is championing on the campaign trail. She has said, “Effective engagement of the Asia-Pacific region means pursuing and enacting trade agreements to open new markets for U.S. and Hawaii companies,” and Hawaii stands to gain immensely from this type of engagement.

Gov. Lingle and I both warmly welcome President Obama back to the state of his birth and childhood home, and I know Governor has fond memories of her time spent being with the President previously. (See picture below.) We both wish him an enjoyable stay today before he heads off to Indonesia and Australia, and hope he continues to share Gov. Lingle’s assessment of the economic opportunities the region holds for Hawaii and our nation.

Enjoy your Monday and until next time,

Best,
Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

Governor Linda Lingle and President Obama share aloha at the White House in 2009.

Well, last night’s UH game was not the outcome we all hoped and looked for from our Football Warriors against Nevada. (This feeling is not unlike what the fans in Boise and Palo Alto are experiencing.) Although our hopes are still alive for a bowl berth, I’m sure like me, all of your thoughts are on the well-being of quarterback Bryan Moniz. Let’s hope he makes a speedy recovery from what was reported as a broken leg and comes back better than ever next season.

APEC is still going strong. In fact, the President of the United States will be at Ko Olina tonight.  Therefore, if you’re headed out toward the West side today, please pay attention to APEC-related traffic news. Security restrictions went up last night, and access to the security zone around the hotel will be restricted to residents, owners and employees of local businesses. Government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, will be needed to access the area, and traffic will be restricted on the Waianae Ko Olina Exit ramp from Farrington Highway from 12:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. today.

Visit http://scr.bi/tk4P15 for a map of the APEC Ko Olina Security Zone, where world leaders will be gathering today.

Enjoy the remainder of your weekend, and get rested and refreshed and ready for the week ahead!

Best,
Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

P.S.: The APEC meetings agenda, focused on the Asia-Pacific region, includes discussions by 21 world leaders representing close to 3 billion people. Governor Lingle has stated: “How we engage this fast-growing region will impact the economy and well-being of our nation and Hawaii. I will continue to focus on expanding our nation’s economic and trade relations through more effective management and engagement of our relationships with governments of the region.”  READ MORE on the ISSUES page of this website.

I hope you all had a memorable Veterans Day. It’s always important for us to remember the reason for this day, and the significance of the sacrifice made by our brave servicemen and women. Going forward it’s always good to keep ourselves aware of the ongoing bravery and heroism displayed by our men and women in uniform, and express our gratitude to them whenever we have the opportunity.

APEC continues to dominate the headlines, and it’s no surprise given the significance the Asia-Pacific regions play in the world’s economy. The top ten economies in the Asia-Pacific region now account for over one-quarter of global gross domestic product (GDP) and close to $1.1 trillion in trade with the United States.

A significant aspect of APEC is how it reinforces Gov. Lingle’s position that effective engagement of the Asia-Pacific region means pursuing access to new markets for Hawaii companies.

As Governor of eight years of the only U.S. state that is also a part of the Asia-Pacific region, she had extensive interaction with the governments, businesses and people of this dynamic region.  As Senator, she will continue to focus on expanding our nation’s economic and trade relations through more effective management and engagement of our relationships with governments of the region.

Effective management of our Asia-Pacific relationships means bringing a more Pacific-focused understanding to our national, commercial and trade policies that historically have been more Atlantic-centric.  It also means effectively communicating the United States’ national interests and agenda to leaders and institutions of Asian and Pacific nations.

It also means aggressive enforcement of intellectual property protection and free-trade agreements to ensure fair competition and more opportunities for American businesses.  She believes in a “trust, but verify” approach to free trade.

APEC will affect a lot of highways and travel might be difficult to navigate this weekend. Check traffic websites before you venture out in order to make your journey easier.

Enjoy your Saturday, and good luck to our University of Hawaii Football Warriors tonight at 5:15pm against the University of Nevada at Reno!

Best,
Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

It was a great honor and privilege to serve as State Adjutant General for Hawaii, and lead the Hawaii National Guard during Gov. Linda Lingle’s eight years in office. During that time, I was fortunate to be able to see how important the military and their families were to Gov. Lingle.

She was present at virtually all of our National Guard send-offs for our soldiers and airmen, and she was there when they came home.

On a special day like today, Veterans Day, a day when the country honors our nation’s heroes, Gov. Lingle offers this special message for these American patriots.  Please read below.

Best,
Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

——–

Aloha everyone!

I had the honor and privilege to be governor of the great state of Hawaii for eight years. It was also a special honor to be the commander-in-chief of the Hawaii National Guard and to be a friend to America’s military here in Hawaii.

Today on Veterans Day, I join with the rest of our nation in offering gratitude for the veterans of past wars and conflicts as well as for the servicemen and servicewomen who are currently deployed around the world. There is a great sense of sadness for the lives lost in battle. But, with that sadness there is also immense gratitude for the men and women that made the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy the freedom and liberty we have today.

Whether it be responding to help with humanitarian crises or defending America’s freedom around the globe, our nation’s military has always given us a great sense of pride. They are an example to all of the potential for greatness that lies within each one of us.

On this day, please tell a veteran or anyone wearing a uniform, mahalo for their service to our great country. God bless the veterans, God bless our military, and God bless the United States of America.

Linda Lingle

Tomorrow is Veterans Day, a time for reflection on the sacrifices made by so many for the good of all Americans, so that we might benefit from the freedoms and liberty we enjoy in our country today.  This is a day we reflect on what the world would be like if our brave men and women had not answered duty’s call.

If you see a veteran, or even a man or woman in uniform, say mahalo for their service.

Today, our campaign was greeted with continuing good news as we learned that Maggie’s List, an organization committed to electing fiscally responsible women in the U.S. House and Senate, has formally endorsed Gov. Lingle for Senate.

In citing Gov. Lingle’s long record of prudent fiscal management, reduced burdensome regulations on small business, and unwavering support of our military, Maggie’s List cast their full support behind Gov. Linda Lingle’s candidacy. Find out more about Maggie’s List at www.MaggiesList.org.

So on that high note, I hope your Thursday finds you well and full of aloha.

Have a great day,
Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

P.S.: Please check out Governor Lingle’s issue video on the homepage.

Federal PAC Committed to Increasing Number of Women Serving in Government

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Maggie’s List Chairman and Founder Sandra Mortham today announced the endorsement of Hawaii United States Senate candidate Linda Lingle for 2012.  The Federal Political Action Committee is comprised of women leaders across the country and dedicated to electing fiscally responsible women to the U.S House and U.S. Senate.

“Former two-term Republican governor of Hawaii Linda Lingle entered the race a few short weeks ago and Politico has already named her to the ‘Monthly Ten’ to watch for October 2011, while the Rothenberg Report stated “the race in Hawaii has turned from no chance to a legitimate GOP takeover opportunity in matter of a few months,” said Mortham. “This will certainly be a race to watch, and Maggie’s List is proud to support Linda Lingle based on her proven record of results including responsible fiscal management, reducing burdensome government regulations and outstanding support of our military.”

The Hawaii Senate race is an open seat in 2012 due to Democrat Daniel Akaka’s retirement. An October 13-16, 2011 Public Policy Poll showed, when asked if the election were held today, Lingle with an 85% favorable over her Republican primary challenger John Carroll.

Maggie’s List publicly endorsed and financially supported a number of women candidates during the 2010 cycle, including newly elected U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Congresswomen Martha Roby (AL-2), Sandy Adams (FL-24), Vicky Hartzler (MO-4), Nan Hayworth (NY-19), Ann Marie Buerkle (NY-25), Renee Ellmers (NC-2), Kristi Noem (SD-AL), Diane Black (TN-6) and Jaime Herrera (WA-3).

# # #

About Linda Lingle for United States Senate

Linda Lingle served as Governor of the State of Hawaii from 2002-2010. She was the first woman, first person of Jewish ancestry, and the first Republican in 40 years to lead the Aloha State.

Her Administration was able to confront and manage through one of the most severe economic crises in state history by closing an almost $3 billion gap in state revenues without increasing taxes and while maintaining a “AA” bond rating.  With 30 years of public service, Governor Lingle first served the people of Hawaii as a member of the Maui County Council, representing the Island of Molokai from 1981-1991. She then served two full terms as Mayor of Maui from 1991-1999.

For additional information about her campaign, please go to www.Lingle2012.com.

About Maggie’s List:
Maggie’s List is a Federal Political Action Committee (PAC) created to increase the number of elected women committed to promoting the values of fiscal conservatism, less government, more personal responsibility and strong national security; thus promoting a more representative government.  To advance this mission, Maggie’s List will provide programs and financial support to women candidates who meet these criteria, enabling them to run competitive and successful campaigns for the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate.

Maggie’s List was named after Margaret Chase Smith, who became the first woman elected to both houses of Congress (US House 1940-1948; US Senate 1948-1972).  She was also the first woman to have her name placed in nomination for the presidency by either of the two major parties, coming in second to the Republican nominee, Senator Barry Goldwater in 1964.  It is in her honor, and the legacy of women elected officials, that Maggie’s List was formed.  For additional information, please go to  www.MaggiesList.org.

Paid for by Maggie’s List, 6675 Weeping Willow Way, Tallahassee, FL 32311.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

I hope you all are having a wonderful week as we hit the midway point. It’s been an exciting morning as I have heard from many of you who are very pleased about the new campaign ISSUE video that was posted late last night. Your expressions of support and anticipation about the specific follow-up web videos we have planned are very uplifting and appreciated.

Please pass on to your friends, family and business associates that Governors’ video is posted on this website!

One thing about Gov. Lingle I’ve learned over the years is that when it comes to the people’s business, she gets right to the point. She isn’t interested in wasting time on political posturing or positioning; Governor is always focused on the issues most important to the people of Hawaii.

The new web video, which you can view on this home page, reinforces this commitment: the economy, stimulating job growth, reducing government regulations, immigration, tourism, education, national security, and bipartisanship. In the coming weeks, the public will be able to view videos that dig down deeper into these issues that are so critical for our state and nation. As a U.S. Senate candidate, we can count on Gov. Lingle to run an issue-oriented campaign; and as Senator, I know we can all depend on her to focus on common-sense solutions that put the people of Hawaii first.

Have a great day,
Major General Robert Lee
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee

The videos, which will be posted on the Lingle 2012 website and Lingle 2012 YouTube Channel during the next two months, will feature Governor Lingle speaking on a broad range of issues that she plans to make a priority if elected to serve in the U.S. Senate.

“As I talk with people across our state about their everyday concerns, it’s clear these critical issues are important to Hawai’i residents,” said Governor Lingle.  ”This election must be focused on the issues rather than partisan rhetoric.  I want to let people know my ideas, vision and plans for some of the top issues facing Hawai’i and our nation,” Gov. Lingle added.

In the first video entitled “Table of Contents,” which will be posted Wednesday morning (Nov. 9), Governor Lingle previews several of the issues she will address in the on-line video series:

*Fixing the Economy / Creating Jobs / Controlling Government Spending – (2 videos) – Take immediate action to address the number one issue in our state and across America.

*Reducing Regulations / Jobs Impact Statement – Reduce burdensome regulations by federal agencies that negatively impact jobs and the economy.

*Tourism – Work with Senators from both parties to create a subcommittee on tourism that will help grow the economy while stimulating job growth.

*Education –  Enhance our educational system to better prepare youth to compete in the 21st century workforce and help build our economy.

*Bipartisanship – Bring a proven record of bipartisan experience to Washington, D.C., to overcome thehyper-partisanship that has created gridlock in our nation’s Capitol.

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.

###

For more information, contact:

Russell Pang
Media Relations
russell@Lingle2012.com
808.382.7023

Corrie Heck
Deputy Communications Director
Linda Lingle Senate Committee
corrie@Lingle2012.com
808.351.3865

APEC has begun and is in full gear today at the Convention Center. To make your day easier, please refer back to my blog yesterday morning for the links to useful maps showing affected areas, parking, and traffic routes. As the week goes on, traffic could become more challenging, so being familiar with the changes will help immensely.

It was particularly gratifying yesterday to have Hawaii’s student robotics programs making an impressive splash with APEC exhibitors! Gov. Abercrombie and Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle both “drove” the robots, getting an up-close and personal look at the robotics education exhibit, along with the hard-working students from around the state.  These state and city executives, along with officials from around the world, experienced the immense potential robotics holds for our workforce and future economy.

I had the privilege of serving as Regional Director of an international robotics organization the past few years, and I was able to see firsthand as Gov. Linda Lingle helped to spearhead the growth and flourishing of Science Technology Engineering and Math in Hawaii schools, making STEM the household word it is in Hawaii today. APEC is serving as the perfect venue to highlight the amazing things Hawaii’s six scholastic robotics programs are accomplishing.

All of us in Hawaii are so proud of how far the more than 5,500 students from around the state are achieving with their robotics education programs. They now serve as a model for the nation and world by showcasing how effective and promising it is to invest in this area of education.

Have a great day,

Best,
MG (ret.) Bob Lee

PS: Don’t forget to register to volunteer for the Linda Lingle Senate Campaign at http://www.lingle2012.com/volunteer-hawaii-senator/
Also, tune in tomorrow morning for a new video … it’s a must see!

I trust everyone had a relaxing weekend.

I hope you did, especially with all of the excitement and activity that will be upon us this week as the world’s eyes all turn to Hawaii with the arrival of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

Among the many dignitaries in attendance at this historic event will be the President of the United States and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. It is a unique opportunity for us to showcase Hawaii to the world as a first-class destination, not just for tourism but as a prime location to host international events.

That said, we must all work together this week to ensure the logistical challenges in front of us do not detract from the positive impact these meetings will have. Necessary security measures dictate we must all be flexible in our travel routines. It’s said, “fortune favors the prepared,” and this week is no exception. I have found three web links that will serve you well regarding the changes with traffic you can expect in and around Waikiki:

Visit http://ow.ly/7kU3f for a map of Waikiki roads that will be affected during APEC. The http://ow.ly/7kU5V link shows you all the roads where street parking will be affected. If these are roads you usually depend on for your parking, I advise you find alternate locations during this week. Finally, http://ow.ly/7kU78 is a map of suggested traffic routes for tomorrow through next Sunday, with colored arrows directing you based on where your destination is if you have to travel in or through Waikiki.

Let’s all think aloha, remember to plan ahead and be aware of APEC-related changes to your normal routines and routes.

Here’s hoping your Monday is off to a productive and happy start.

Best,
MG (ret.) Bob Lee

PS — One year from today we will wake up to the election of a new U.S. Senator. Please go to http://www.lingle2012.com/volunteer-hawaii-senator/  to watch a special video for Gov. Linda Lingle before you sign-up to volunteer for this exciting campaign.

I was very sad to see our University of Hawaii Football Warriors lose a close game to Utah State last night. The 35-31 last-minute loss was a tough one for our local guys and the dedicated fans in attendance. The prospect of getting enough wins to be eligible for a postseason bowl game will be difficult, but not insurmountable.

But, it is only a game. I am concerned about the players injured in the game, especially Utah State’s Chuckie Keeton, who was taken to the Queen’s Medical Center after being hurt on the field. I hope that young man is okay and mends quickly.

It was a special night for Hawaii’s military as Oceanic Time Warner sponsored tonight’s game at Aloha Stadium. It was a privilege to attend the game and spend time with our local men and women in uniform as well as their families.

In cooperation with University of Hawaii, Honolulu Navy League and other program sponsors included Oceanic Time-Warner Cable, U.S. Pacific Command honored wounded warriors and military spouses on Nov. 5 when UH played Utah State at Aloha Stadium. (Photo credit Oceanic Time-Warner Cable Facebook page.)

With military as a backdrop, I am still reflecting on the time I spent witnessing our nisei veterans receiving the much-deserved recognition at the Congressional Gold Medal ceremonies in Washington, D.C. After months of work preparing for the activities that enabled our American heroes to accept the praise and awards they deserve, I must share with you that I was honored and humbled to be in their presence. As Veterans Day approaches, I’m sure the significance of this past week’s events will continue to be top of mind for me as I reflect on their courage and sacrifice to fight for the values, freedom and liberties we enjoy today. They will always be an inspiration to me.

But before Veterans Day arrives on 11/11/11, we will be witness to another historic occasion here at home: APEC. It has dominated the local headlines for weeks, if not months, as we knew it would be when we worked to bring the event here. I’m sure for many of you who live or work in and around the Waikiki area, the logistical impacts of this large-scale event are causing you some concern. The U.S. State Department has on its website a document that details the restrictions around the Hawaii Convention Center for the APEC summit. Please take a moment to look it over (http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2011/10/175912.htm) to help you plan your travel routes during the week and limit any inconveniences. And, check back here later in the week for more information about what’s happening with APEC.

I hope you enjoy your Sunday with friends and family!

Best regards,

MG (ret.) Bob Lee

PS: Stay tuned to our website for new information about how to volunteer for Gov. Lingle’s U.S. Senate campaign.

Returning home also reacquainted me with the immediate, sobering issues facing us in Hawaii and our nation. A recent economic report showed that Hawaii’s unemployment rate increased to its highest level in nearly a year and our national debt will pass the $15 trillion milestone any day now.

These indicators certainly setting off alarm bells are further indication that we need real common-sense solutions to real problems, and we need them right now. Fortunately, that’s what Gov. Linda Lingle is presenting in her U.S. Senate campaign: practical solutions to achieve fiscal responsibility while encouraging economic growth and stimulate job creation.

I urge you to learn how, as Senator, Gov. Lingle plans to work across party lines to keep our residents’ best interests her first priority. Visit this website’s issues page at http://www.lingle2012.com/hawaii-issues-politics/ for more information.

I hope your weekend is going well! Go Warriors!

Best,
MG (ret.) Bob Lee

It is a wonderful feeling to be heading home: There’s nothing better than a warm welcome from your ‘ohana after time spent away. I expect there will be a substantial to-do list for me to tackle.

Besides catching up on tasks that are waiting patiently for my return, I’m looking forward to watching our UH Warriors football team take on Utah State tomorrow. I hope the boys from Utah enjoy their stay here in Hawaii — except for those four quarters in which our Warriors will hopefully trounce them at Aloha Stadium!

Looking ahead to next week, our state will be on the world stage as APEC comes to town. For a week, foreign dignitaries and our own President of the United States will be here to look at ways to enhance economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. It’s a project I helped Governor Linda Lingle bring here, and I will be talking at length about the conference and its importance next week.

I hope the end of your work week was productive, and you will enjoy time with the ‘ohana over the weekend.

Until next time,

Best,
MG (ret.) Bob Lee

P.S. — Although yesterday’s reprehensible situation regarding a patently false, misleading email about our Governor Linda Lingle has faded away, I cannot get past the fact that the people of Hawaii deserve better from candidates running for U.S. Senate. I hope we’ll see and hear an issue-oriented campaign; I know we will from Linda Lingle!

As I have shared with you during the past two weeks, I had the honor to be in the presence of our World War II veterans at unique ceremonies celebrating their heroism six decades ago.

It’s been a truly gratifying and emotional time that has left me with a renewed appreciation for what these men accomplished. Their story is one of unity of purpose and a shared triumph for which they sacrificed so much to safeguard the liberty and freedom we enjoy today.

After experiencing such an uplifting couple of weeks, you can imagine how disheartening it was to read such a divisive, deceptive, and partisan e-mail (see below) crafted by an executive in the Hawaii Carpenters Union.  It was written on behalf of one of the Democrat candidates running for the U.S. Senate. The reprehensible e-mail references a video interview with Governor Linda Lingle.

Folks, it’s clear the candidates in this Senate race offer contrasting ideas, plans and vision for our state and country.  They also have a totally different way to communicate their message.  While we can expect a negative campaign, and some will say, “that’s just politics,” it’s simply poor form to distort the opposing position.  You know, it’s just not the Hawaii way.

I will not let deceptive misrepresentations of Gov. Linda Lingle’s words go unchallenged. I cannot, and will not, sit idly by while her words are taken out of context to create a straw man, muddying the waters for voters trying to make an informed decision in this critically important election.

Don’t take my word for it — please read the transcript of the video in question below for yourself. In it, Gov. Lingle clearly explains why she stands WITH Hawaii’s small business owners who create so many jobs here at home. Her concern is that these small business owners might be vulnerable to huge tax increases because many of these LLCs or sole proprietors report their business income as PERSONAL income.

You won’t read any of that in the context sent out in the e-mail from a political operative.  In fact, you won’t read ANY of Gov. Lingle’s actual words except for seven words taken out of a sentence which is more than double that in length.

You won’t be reminded that Governor Lingle supports a reform of the federal tax system that makes it flatter, fairer, and lower, but that encourages the creation of more jobs. She also will not support eliminating the deduction for home mortgages or charitable contributions as some are suggesting.

In the interest of keeping you as informed as possible, I’ve included, verbatim, the full answer Gov. Lingle provided to her interviewer. It’s a common-sense, balanced perspective that I know most of the people of Hawaii agree with. The real question is: why doesn’t the other candidate want to protect Hawaii’s small businesses?

I trust that you will read Gov. Lingle’s words and reflect on them as you come to a decision on whom to support in this very important race.  Please share her position far and wide so that everyone knows that Gov. Lingle stands shoulder-to-shoulder with 28,844 businesses that have employees who would be impacted and an estimated 76,300 sole proprietors that could be affected.  These are Hawaii’s mom-and-pop, locally-owned businesses that we all know, frequent and love.

Keep up the good fight.

Aloha,

MG (ret.) Bob Lee

INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT

KEYES: It sounds like you’re against the millionaire’s tax that President Obama has proposed?

LINGLE: I guess I’d have to explain a little bit about my state to you, Scott. In my state, the majority of businesses are small businesses. The majority of them report their income as personal income.

So while people may want to call it a “millionaire’s tax,” in fact, it’s a tax on small business, because almost every business in Hawaii will report their income as personal income. They have an LLC, they have a sole proprietorship, and that means if their business only earns $250,000, now they have to pay higher taxes at a time they’re struggling to keep people employed.

So for me, they put that label on it, others put that label. I call it a small business tax, and therefore I could never support something like that.

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DECEPTIVE EMAIL REFERENCED ABOVE

Aloha –
It’s about time we closed the loopholes that allow millionaires and billionaires to pay lower tax rates than the rest of us — and Mazie Hirono has been leading the “Buffett Rule” fight along with online activists like you.

But Linda Lingle, Mazie’s leading Republican opponent, just doesn’t see eye-to-eye with the people of Hawaii. When asked about calling for millionaires to pay a little more in taxes, she’s continuing to toe the mainland GOP line:
“I could never support something like that.”

Of course, this has always been Republican Linda Lingle’s position. We remember her steadfast loyalty to President George W. Bush, and the Bush tax cuts he enacted his first year in office that created the economic crisis and income inequality our country is facing today.
Well, speaking for myself, I believe it’s a very good thing George W. Bush is no longer in the White House. So why would Hawaii, of all places, send someone like Linda Lingle to the United States Senate to promote Bush’s bad ideas and failed economic policies?

Join me with other Hawaii voters in telling Linda Lingle that she’s on the wrong side of this issue — and let’s make sure millionaires and billionaires start paying their fair share.
Just last month, Mazie Hirono started a petition from online advocates like us to Speaker John Boehner’s office, demanding that he consider making millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share by supporting the “Buffett Rule.”

Now how many other members of Congress do you know with that sense of purpose, courage, and commitment to the middle class?
Just the fact that Mazie is using her campaign not merely to get elected, but to enlist everyday Hawaii citizens to make progress right now on the issues and values we share, is a real testament to Mazie’s character and priorities.

Join me with other Hawaii voters in supporting Mazie Hirono’s efforts to make sure millionaires and billionaires start paying their fair share now. We shouldn’t have to wait until Election Day!
Someone who still believes, as Lingle does, that the wealthiest Americans shouldn’t have to pay their fair share has no business running for Senate in Hawaii.
So thanks for joining me in supporting Mazie Hirono — the only candidate in this race who has always stood up for Hawaii’s middle class.

Mahalo,
Ron Taketa
Financial Secretary/Business Representative
Hawaii Carpenters Union

Click here to unsubscribe
PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF MAZIE HIRONO

———————————————————————————————————–

I am preparing to return home and it will, as always, be good to sleep in my own bed again. Two weeks on the road, spanning continents, countries, and time zones has been enough traveling to last me for awhile!

I will remain forever grateful for this opportunity I’ve had to meet, interact with, and witness these American heroes, our nisei veterans of World War II, as they’ve been honored in France and Washington, D.C.

I especially want to offer a deep and sincere mahalo to all those who opened their pocketbooks to ensure these brave veterans were able to make these trips to Bruyeres and D.C. Their generosity saw to it that the 442nd / 100th Battalion received, in person, the long-overdue recognition and honor they deserve.

Enjoy your day today, make the most of it, and until next time,

Best,
MG (ret.) Bob Lee

Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol served as the venue to award the Congressional Gold Medal to every soldier who served in the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and Military Intelligence Service.

Good Wednesday morning and Aloha,

Today, America’s bravest of brave World War II heroes have received recognition of the highest order. The Congressional Gold Medal, awarded collectively to these men who helped keep freedom’s light shining brightly, will forever stand as testament to their collective gallantry.

I hope you were able to view the broadcast of this historic occasion online at www.pentagonchannel.mil.

Being here in person has been one of the greatest privileges of my life and words could not ever hope to convey the true magnitude of this event. There is a sense of reverence among attendees for these veterans and their brothers-in-arms who gave their lives in battle or passed on in the six decades since WWII ended in 1945.

The legacy of these men is bequeathed to us all, regardless of race, creed or color: We as Americans enjoy the fruits of their precious sacrifice — freedom. We can all find fulfillment in reflecting on the achievements of our own 442nd “Go for Broke” battlion, so eloquently stated by President Harry Truman in 1946: “You fought the enemy abroad and you fought prejudice at home and you won.”

Tomorrow will be my last report from the mainland. I look forward to returning home on Friday.

Best,
Maj. Gen. (ret.) Bob Lee

A Hawaii veteran arrives at Reagan National Airport for the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony. (Photo credit: Sen. Daniel Akaka Facebook page.)

World War II veterans from Hawaii arrive at Reagan National Airport for the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony. (Photo credit: Sen. Daniel Akaka Facebook page.)

Aloha and good morning from Washington, D.C.,

It is the first day of a new month, and the beginning of a special week for those of us who have the privilege to welcome veterans from our own 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team and Military Intelligence Service to our nation’s Capitol.  Yesterday, they arrived to a buoyant crowd of well-wishers at Reagan National Airport.

Today there will be a Memorial event to remember the service of all nisei who served during World War II, and vets will have a chance to visit the National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism.

It’s a privilege to witness these true American heroes seeing each other again, some for the first time in six decades. It is striking to reflect on how these young men, some not yet 20 years old at the time, left the comfort of their homes to fight in far away lands.  They embarked on a journey that would literally change the history of mankind, and ensure freedom was preserved.

The members of the “Greatest Generation” embody the American capacity for greatness – that no matter one’s humble beginnings, achieving greatness lies within everyone’s reach through hard work and determination.

Tomorrow morning the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony will take place in Emancipation Hall at the United States Capitol Visitor Center. The Pentagon Channel will air the ceremony live at 5 a.m. Hawaii time, Wednesday, Nov. 2. To watch the ceremony live online, visit www.pentagonchannel.mil.

Please tune in to see a live-streaming box with a play button in the center. Click the button, and the channel will begin to play.  You will be moved, and won’t soon forget the images of our military heroes being honored.

Signing off now, and hope your Tuesday goes well and is full of aloha.

Best,
MG (ret.) Bob Lee

PS- Have you signed up to join our campaign team?   It’s easy: Go to http://www.lingle2012.com/volunteer/!

The first day of the week, and the last day of October, is a good reason to make a fresh start, break an annoying habit, or start a new healthy regimen.

I’m on the East Coast today on my way home from an extraordinary experience with our WWII veterans. Although the continents have changed, I’m fortunate to continue benefiting from being in the presence of true American heroes as I’m in Washington, D.C. to participate in ceremonies honoring Congressional Gold Medal winners. A total of 60 honorees from Hawaii will be attending along with more than 400 Nisei veterans. One of the events I will attend with the honorees will be with the President of the United States.

It’s a testament to the bonds forged in the fires of battle that have kept these men close through the past six decades. Their ability to achieve so much in helping guarantee that we continue to live in a free world was accomplished through unity of purpose and working together as a team.
While our work today can never compare to the selfless acts and sacrifices by the “Greatest Generation” during the second World War, their camaraderie, dedication and perseverance is the same recipe that will help us succeed in getting Gov. Linda Lingle elected to the United States Senate.

So as you start your week, keep in mind the work we have ahead of us to ensure that we elect a new United States Senator that puts people first. Gov. Linda Lingle’s vision and plan will revitalize our economy, create new jobs, support small businesses and protect our kupuna, while working across the aisle to accomplish positive results for all the people of Hawaii.

Please take a moment to connect with the campaign and get involved. Visit the Volunteer section of the campaign website to sign up so you can help put Gov. Lingle in the Senate.

Aloha and have a great Monday.

Best, MG (ret.) Bob Lee

P.S. –  Have fun with the keiki tonight and be safe!

I don’t have to tell you all how thrilled I was to see our boys came away victorious against Idaho yesterday. What a game! There is no quit in those University of Hawaii Football Warriors, and they showed how tenacity, perseverance and determination are pivotal ingredients in any successful game plan.

It’s a good reminder to all of us, in life and on the campaign trail, that we must push hard, every day, to make sure we reach our full potential. You can count on Gov. Lingle keeping her focus on the people of Hawaii, and her determination in securing a brighter future for us through bipartisan solutions and helping shape a government that creates an environment where businesses can thrive, put more people to work, and see our country’s economy into a resurgence where we all can benefit.

As hard as she’s driving, she can’t do it without all of our help, so make sure you stay informed and connected to the campaign: Keep abreast of updates here on the campaign website and also on Facebook, or follow the Lingle Campaign Twitter account, @Lingle2012.

Enjoy your Sunday and until next time,

Best,
MG (ret.) Bob Lee

U.S. WWII veterans wanted to visit with Adrienne Noel who as a young girl some six decades ago hid soldiers of the 442nd from the German soldiers at great risk to her life. Maj. Gen. (ret.) Bob Lee and the rest of the veterans who made the trip to France had a chance to meet many citizens of Bruyeres who helped the Americans during World War II.

Drawing nearer to the East Coast of the USA, my immediate thoughts are becoming more sharply focused on the importance of Gov. Linda Lingle’s Senate Campaign. This point was highlighted today when POLITICO, a well-known and well-respected national political news publication, rated Gov. Lingle’s race in its Top 10 most competitive Senate races, debuting at No. 6.

Given the excitement, support, and enthusiasm we have seen all across the state for Gov. Lingle’s campaign, this comes as no surprise. It is a testament to how important the issues Linda Lingle is championing and shining a spotlight on day after day.

Make no mistake, her campaign will be issue-oriented, including common-sense, bipartisan solutions in the area of fiscal responsibility, nurturing an environment where small businesses can thrive and create more jobs, making tourism a priority on a national level, as well as the need to protect Medicare and Social Security to ensure our kupuna enjoy their senior years.

For Governor Lingle, it is all about the needs of the people of Hawaii first.

Until next time,

MG (ret.) Bob Lee

By David Catanese

“…Linda Lingle, hands Hawaii its first foray into the Senate Monthly 10 — POLITICO’s monthly ratings of the most competitive contests in the country.”

“Linda Lingle… instantly reshapes a Senate race. The Star Advertiser dubbed Lingle’s debut “a textbook example of how a major campaign rolls out a kickoff.” Her candidacy…widens the playing field even further in 2012.”

U.S. veterans of World War II and French Resistance members attended Mass together in Bruyeres, France, as part of a gathering to honor the bravery and courage exhibited by these soldiers in freeing Bruyeres from Nazi occupation during World War II.

I hope your weekend finds you in good spirits and ready to enjoy life’s blessings.

Obviously, my week in Bruyeres, France, among the brave soldiers who sacrificed so much for the freedoms we enjoy today, has reminded me of the fragile nature of one’s life, and how fortunate we are to live in a free society.

Another aspect of life that has been top of mind for me being among these now-silver-haired heroes, is the importance of our kupuna, and how much wisdom they hold for us.

In Hawaii, in large part because of our host culture, but also because of the multitude of diverse cultures that have put down roots, our kupuna occupy a special place of honor and respect among us. Gov. Lingle echoes that feeling day after day, and also sees the importance in caring for them including the critical programs of Social Security and Medicare.

Unfortunately, our languishing economy and spiraling national debt have not spared these social programs from being jeopardized. Gov. Lingle recognizes, and is committed to the importance of a fiscally sound medical insurance program for our seniors in Hawaii and throughout the nation. Clearly stated, she is committed to protecting our seniors’ Medicare and Social Security benefits.

I encourage you to review Gov. Lingle’s detailed plan and dedication to preserve the rights, health and benefits of our kupuna.

Enjoy your Friday and be well,

MG Bob Lee (ret.)

I’m finishing up my emotional, memorable trip in Bruyeres, France.  On the last day of my trip before heading to Washington, D.C., I’d like to share some photos (Scroll down to bottom of this post) that capture the emotion and substance of what I’ve been blessed to witness first-hand during this memorable experience.

The refrain my mind continually returns to during this trip is just how significant, how history-altering, was the immense sacrifice these formerly young men gave so that we could enjoy the freedoms we have today — something we must never take for granted or forget. And being here it’s clear the people of France have never forgotten the valor of the 442nd/100th soldiers who helped make Europe free from occupation and oppression. French veterans, local dignitaries and local residents turned out to celebrate in a parade to the town square to commemorate their liberation by these Nisei soldiers some 67 years ago.

Each generation faces immense challenges, and while ours today is certainly not of the same magnitude of those six decades ago, it will take courage and working together to overcome a debt that is spiraling out of control, an economy that is languishing and an unemployment rate that is unacceptable.

Gov. Lingle has the vision and a comprehensive plan necessary to help set a course in the United States Senate which will help steer our country in the right direction back to prosperity.

I know you agree with me that we can count on Linda Lingle to work tirelessly for the good of all the people of Hawaii.

Be well, and until next time,

MG Bob Lee (ret)

U.S. veterans of World War II and French Resistance members attended Mass together in Bruyeres, France, as part of a gathering to honor the bravery and courage exhibited by these soldiers in freeing Bruyeres from Nazi occupation during World War II.

Soldiers of the 100th Battalion lead French veterans, the town's Mayor, and local dignitaries in a parade to the town square to commemorate their liberation by Nisei soldiers 67 years ago.

The veterans wanted to visit with Adrienne Noel who as a young girl some six decades ago hid soldiers of the 442nd from the German soldiers at great risk to her life. Maj. Gen. (ret.) Bob Lee and the rest of the veterans who made the trip to France had a chance to meet many citizens of Bruyeres who helped the Americans during WWII.

The town of Bruyeres marks the spot in the Voges forest where three soldiers launched the counterattack by the 442nd that eventually broke the German encirclement of the Texas 141st Infantry, called "The Lost Battalion." Hajiro, an Army private, single-handedly wiped out two German machine gun nests and killed two snipers in a gallant charge in World War II, running 100 yards through a stream of bullets, walking through a booby-trapped area and leading the charge up “Suicide Hill” screaming “Banzai!” At the end of the battle, the 442nd had rescued 211 Texans but sustained 800 casualties. Barney Hajiro eventually earns the Medal of Honor and passed away Jan. 21 this year.

It was very nice of the cemetery administration to mark the 13 graves with sand from the beaches of Normandy.

Soldiers of the 100th Battalion/442nd Infantry render honors to 13 soldiers of the Regiment that never came home and are buried in Epinal, France among 5,255 of their comrades who were killed in action from combat in Northeast France to the Rhine. Many came from Patton's Third Army as the U.S. pushed the Germans back across Europe.

French World War II veterans and citizens of Bruyeres honor soldiers of the 100th Battalion and 442nd Regiment at their monument in the battlefield of the Voges Forest.

Good morning, and I hope your Wednesday is off to great start!

Yesterday a video was posted by mainland political operatives seeking to misrepresent Gov. Lingle’s position by adding a completely false and misleading title.

In the video, the Governor explained why she feels so strongly about supporting Hawaii’s mom-and-pop, locally-owned businesses we all know, frequent and love. In the :56 sound bite, Gov. Lingle expresses her concern that these small business owners might be vulnerable to huge tax increases because many of these LLCs or sole proprietors report their business income as personal income.

I am sure you agree with the Governor in standing up to help Hawaii’s job-creating small businesses on this important issue. But, here is what that video was titled: “Lingle opposes millionaire’s tax.”   That is simply false.

Even though I am on still with our American heroes in France honoring their service to our country at special ceremonies, I couldn’t help but let you know my personal feelings. This deceptively titled video was distributed over the Internet with the hope that only the headline would catch your attention in a negative way, rather than the balanced perspective presented by the Governor who has spent her career supporting our small business owners – who are far from “millionaires” as the D.C. political operatiaves want you to believe.

I suppose by now we ought to be used to this kind of misleading tactic employed for the sole purpose of partisan political gain.  But, friends,  I’m not built that way, I’m not used to it and I doubt many of you are either.

We are more than 12 months away from the next election and these types of attacks have already begun.  We all hoped to have a fact-based, issue oriented campaign. But, sadly, I believe we can expect more of this type of partisan rhetoric.  So please make sure you take the time to assess the truth behind any claim that is made before you pass it on.

Again, I stand today on the field where our WWII veterans and French Resistance soldiers fought for the freedoms and liberties we enjoy today. To that the end, let’s ensure we honor their service with a fact-based campaign which holds up the ideals of our great country.

I will be heading home soon.  On the way I will report in from the mainland

Have a great Wednesday, and be well.

Best,
MG Bob Lee (ret)

Aloha Hawaii and Good Morning to you on this Tuesday, Oct. 25,

My time here in France has been one of the most powerful, emotional experiences I can remember. And as I conclude my time here, I am struck by what a reflective time it has been — time for me to reflect not only on the bravery and heroism of the 100th Infantry Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team, but also reflect on how different our world would be, indeed how vastly different our world would be without the courage, sacrifice and true heroism of this Greatest Generation. The photo above is of U.S. veterans of World War II who joined with French Resistance members to attend Mass in Bruyeres, France, on Sunday.

We face a critical time in our country, and there is an unrivaled need for true courage and leadership again on the national stage. We need real leaders to step up and answer the call, and I am so grateful Gov. Lingle is answering that call in running for Senate. Not only am I proud of her decision, but now it is known around the country that she can win this and help put America back on the right course to prosperity and greatness.

Have you seen the latest poll? The Democratic-affiliated Public Policy Polling numbers show Gov. Lingle has gained considerable ground in the polls and is within striking distance of Mazie Hirono and ahead of Ed Case.

I am so proud of her, not only for the job she’s done for Hawaii, on the Maui County Council and as Maui mayor, and then for two terms as Hawaii’s governor, but also for the job I know she will do as United States Senator for our great state.

Be well, and until next time,

Best,
Bob

Here in Bruyeres, France, I’ve had the honor and privilege of spending time with some of the bravest men to ever don a U.S. military uniform: members of the famed 100th Infantry Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team, here for dedication of a monument to the sister-city relationship between this fine town and Honolulu.

These brave soldiers fought in campaigns in France, Germany and Italy, including a battle right here in Bruyeres, which saw it freed by these fine men from Nazi occupation.

Spending time here has been a richly rewarding experience for me, one that I shall never forget.

Enjoy your day and the start of your week.

Best,
Bob

Although as you’re reading this, we’re 12 hours ahead of you in France, so good evening!

I am here in Bruyeres, France, having arrived with some of the World War II soldiers who liberated this town more than 65 years ago. We’re meeting with descendants of the French Resistance Fighters and it’s quite an emotional experience. During World War II, Bruyeres was freed from Nazi occupation by troops from the 100th Infantry Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team of the U.S. Army, the famed “Go For Broke” soldiers, many of whom were Americans of Japanese ancestry from Hawaii.

It’s chilly here — warming up only into the 50s, a far cry from back home! — but the warmth of the sister city relationship between Honolulu and Bruyeres we have felt more than makes up for that chill. Today a monument in honor of that sister-city relationship is being dedicated in the “Friendship Plaza” of Bruyeres.

After a week here, we will head to Washington, D.C. where more veterans from Hawaii are planning to reconnect with us ahead of a ceremony where they will receive the Congressional Gold Medal from our President of the United States.

I will continue reporting to you throughout my trip.

God Bless our soldiers and the United States.
Aloha,
Major General (ret.) Bob Lee

I will be reporting to you throughout my trip.

God Bless our soldiers and the United States.

Aloha,
Major General (ret.) Bob Lee

The week is nearing its end and it’s time to make and enjoy your plans for the weekend. Hopefully it will be fulfilling for you, whether that be spending time with your ohana, catching up on chores, or one of my personal favorites: Getting in a round of 18 holes.

I hope you had a chance to stay informed with the great campaign news that was unfolding this week, both on the ground and in the newspapers. One item I want to bring to your attention is the editorial that ran in The Maui News. It clearly lays out the important components of Gov. Lingle’s plan.

The analysis rightly points out that Gov. Lingle has a specific plan that she’s taking around the islands. One important part of that plan involves tourism, our state’s bread and butter. Her proven track record on that front – both as Maui County’s mayor and as our Governor – will help to grow that important segment of the economy, not just for Hawaii but for the entire nation.

We all know our country faces a difficult economic situation. Growing the economy to create more jobs is the only way we can get ahead of this challenge, and Governor Lingle correctly assesses the tourism industry as an opportunity for that growth.  As you know, she has the skills and the right plan to effectively engage and be a leader for our country on that front.

In addition to the Maui News, please take a minute to review some of the news coverage this week: Media Coverage.

Enjoy your day and your plans for the weekend! ‘Til next time.

Best,
Bob

Publisher, The Maui News

Linda Lingle told a Maui Chamber of Commerce audience Monday that one of her goals if elected to the United States Senate is to become a national “point person on tourism.”

She wants national media people to become aware of the importance of the industry and, when they have questions, “Call Lingle.”

The former governor said that not only is tourism important in Hawaii, but nationwide it represents almost 10 percent of the United States’ gross domestic product. Over 14 million citizens are employed in the industry. And, she pointed out that if we got the visitors back to 2000 levels, another 1.5 million jobs would be created.

To that end, Lingle wants to convince the government to take a more “realistic” approach to issuing visas. She cited her talks with Chinese officials who said many of their citizens would love to visit Hawaii but it can take months to even get an appointment to apply for a visa.

Lingle pointed out that the Chinese citizens who would come are well-off, not looking for a one-way ticket to the United States. They also spend an industry high average of $325 per day when they do come.

In short, Lingle said, these are very unlikely terrorists and methods to allow them to visit our country more easily need to be developed. “I want to be a person who makes our country more welcoming.”

The GOP candidate also pointed out that we should be looking for ways to work with China and not engage in “saber-rattling.” She agrees that manipulation of currency needs to be checked and U.S. intellectual property must be protected (“Trust, but verify”). But she notes that working with China on safety issues like building specifications for earthquakes will be much more productive than confrontation.

Lingle also said Hawaii’s geographic position will make it invaluable in the “new military.” The former governor said huge standing armies will be replaced by scientific and technological advances in warfare – and the Asia-Pacific region is where much of that advancement should take place.

Finally, Lingle countered claims by her opponents that she would toe the Republican Party line saying that coming from a hugely Democratic state, she always found ways to compromise.

“I have never – and will never – put my party ahead of the people of this state.”

* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.

Yesterday, the folks on the Big Island got an unexpected jolt that our friends at Hawaii County Civil Defense say fortunately did not result in any reported injuries or damage. The 4.5 magnitude earthquake, about 13 miles from Waimea, according to USGS, reminds us yet again of the awesome power Mother Nature holds.

And it’s also a good reminder that we can take several proactive steps to prepare well ahead of time to ensure we make it through as safely and comfortably as possible when the next natural disaster hits. One thing I’ve learned helping lead Hawaii’s natural disaster preparedness efforts over the years is that an ounce of preparedness is worth a pound of response. So take a moment to go through your household order, with necessary disaster preparedness kits at the ready as well as an action plan for your family when we face the next event. Because if there’s one thing we can count on in this world, it’s that a natural disaster will strike, eventually. So let’s be prepared.

If you haven’t been to our website in a few days, make sure you stop in. There’s a new video that really captures the spirit of excitement surrounding our campaign and documents Gov. Lingle’s personal trip to the neighbor islands immediately following her announcement that she would be running for U.S. Senate. You can hear clear testimonies from regular folks across the islands as to why her message of cooperation, commonsense solutions, fiscal responsibility, and stern leadership truly resonate.

Get out there and make this a great day. And be well.

Best,
Bob

Publisher, The Maui News

Linda Lingle was her usual candid and specific self Monday afternoon in an address to the Maui Chamber of Commerce.

The newly announced U.S. Senate hopeful told her audience that the economy and jobs would be her first priority if elected. Toward that end, she said she would:

1. Work with members of both political parties to bring needed certainty to tax policy. Lingle said the current uncertainty in where tax policy is going keeps businesses from investing and growing.

2. Introduce legislation requiring a government agency to complete a jobs impact statement before issuing regulations that hurt a business. Agencies would have to let the country and the community know how many jobs would be lost when, for example, a bureaucrat decided to go after HC&S’ smokestacks. The statement would let the public know 800 to 900 jobs could be lost.

3. Introduce legislation requiring lawsuit reform so there would be a downside for individuals or groups that file suits blocking projects that could benefit a community’s economy. Currently, projects can be stalled for years by such suits because even if the plaintiffs lose, it costs them little or no money. Lingle’s proposal would impose penalties if the plaintiff lost the suit.

4. Work with both parties to establish a sound fiscal policy to tackle annual deficits and the national debt. Lingle compared the government’s out-of-control spending to a family budget so the audience could better grasp the problem. The former governor said her example family would have income of $21,700 per year, but spend $38,200. The family would already have a debt of $142,000 – and growing at a double-digit rate every year. The family would never be able to pay off the debt and it would fall to their children and grandchildren.

Lingle concluded her discussion about fiscal policy by saying this summer’s debate on raising the debt ceiling showed both parties’ “lack of seriousness” in addressing the issue. She said the agreed-upon cuts in spending that sealed the deal amounted to $38 billion – the equivalent of $385 to the debt-ridden family cited in the above example.

The former governor still comes across as a pragmatist with common sense approaches to solving great problems. Her pledge to work across the aisle to tackle these problems head on is genuine.

Tomorrow: The Point Person on Tourism

* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWRD6p4KeKI

By Wendy Osher, Maui Now

Former governor Linda Lingle said she wants to become America’s point person for tourism, if elected to the US Senate in 2012–that’s one of the issues that surfaced during her speaking engagement on Monday (October 17) with the Maui Chamber of Commerce.

“There is no one in Washington who speaks for this industry–they’re not educated on this industry, they don’t understand the current impacts of the visa problem with people trying to come from China to visit us in America–and I want to be the go-to person,” said Lingle.

When elected as mayor of Maui, Lingle said, the Maui Visitors Bureau had a budget of $300,000 a year for the promotion of tourism. “When we left,” said Lingle, “we spent $3.3 million–10 times more than when we came into office–because we understood Maui had to be positioned clearly on its own, separate from the state of Hawaii, in order to keep people working. I think we had some good success.”

Lingle said tourism is not only important to Maui, but is a huge industry in America, generating nearly 10% of Gross Domestic Product and employing an estimated 14 million Americans. “Yet,” she said, “if I asked you who’s the point person in America for tourism–nobody knows who that is.”

“The US Chamber of Commerce has estimated, if we can just get back to the 2000 level of tourism in America, we would immediately employ 1.3 million more people in the country,” she said.

By working on getting tourism levels back to where they were 11 years ago, Lingle said, “You don’t have to build anything new–it’s already there.”

Besides tourism, Lingle said the most important focus for her will be on the economy and jobs.

To ensure the protection of existing jobs, Lingle suggested that government agencies be required to produce an independent jobs impact statement. “My idea is, force them to tell us in advance how many jobs would be lost in the community if a new rule or regulation went into effect,” said Lingle.

Lingle cited Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company (HC&S) as an example, saying she had issues while in office with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over the HC&S smokestack. “While the environmental focus of the EPA has value,” Lingle said, the American citizen should be able to judge if a new rule being proposed is worth putting 800 HC&S families out of work.

In a separate run-in with the EPA, cruise lines in Hawai’i expressed concerns over a proposed rule that would have required them to burn a specific kind of fuel while sitting in port. “The trouble is, Hawai’i doesn’t produce that kind of fuel, so there was no way we could meet the requirement,” said Lingle.

“Basically, what that rule would have done is shut down the cruise industry in our state,” said Lingle, who was governor at the time. The state, ultimately, was able to carve out an exemption.

“We need to not allow the federal agencies to have free reign when it comes to passing new regulations on businesses and on the professions,” Lingle said.

Another way of protecting businesses, Lingle said, is through lawsuit reform at the federal level.

“We’re the only industrialized country that has what’s known as the American Rule,” said Lingle, in which, “any person can go file a lawsuit on any company, or any other individual, and if they lose, there’s no downside, there’s no penalty.”

Lingle said that many times, the lawsuits are stalling actions. “There has to be some downside risk to a person using the court system to advance ideology rather than truly redress an injustice that was done,” she said.

In terms of the economy, Lingle said she would go to Washington with a seriousness of purpose, with specific ideas on how to grow the economy, create jobs and get things back on track for America.

She said the nation needs to get its act together in terms of budget, the annual deficit, and national debt, and pointed to experience on Maui in establishing sound fiscal policies.

Lingle said the debt taken on in the county government was used towards projects that have a lifespan of at least 20-30 years, and matched the term of the debt. “We would go out and sell bonds, but we would build a Kihei Aquatics Center, or we’d build Keopuolani Park, or we’d fix the roads to Hana, or we’d go on the back side of Kaupo and level those roads and make them smoother—that was money we borrowed for real projects.”

She called the national debt a “dangerous kind of debt” because she said it is being used to pay for things that we’ve already spent money on and to pay off operations of the government that occur every year.

Lingle said the way to be protected is to have someone on both sides to ensure that Hawai’i gets its fair share of federal support.

“I always ran on the prospect of ‘everybody knows I’m a Republican’—I don’t hide it,” said Lingle, but she said, “I have never put my party or anything else ahead of the people who elected me, and that would be the same going forward.”

So far, other key names in the race for the 2012 Senate seat are Rep. Mazie Hirono (D) who announced her U.S. Senate bid in May, former congressman Ed Case (D) who opened his Maui headquarters in August, and former state lawmaker John Carroll (R).

www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKItdx_IHe8

Good morning and Aloha. Hope your Wednesday gets off to a great start and hope your week is going along smoothly. Please take a moment to read my thoughts on this important campaign before us:

Since my retirement seven months ago as Hawaii’s Adjutant General and director of the State Department of Defense, I have had more time to catch up on my readings, organize the family’s finances to manage retirement income, and even get in a few more rounds of golf than usual. During this past summer, like most Americans, I was very disturbed to witness the wild swings of the stock market and watch my 401k and IRA portfolio melt down once again. Failure by the U.S. Congress to agree on our country’s debt ceiling roiled the markets. Today and for the foreseeable future we will have an atmosphere of uncertainty facing citizens from every walk of life across the state.

In Hawaii we will be witness to a changing of the guard in our U.S. Senate. I cannot remember casting a vote for someone other than Dan Inouye or Dan Akaka in my lifetime. It has been an absolute pleasure working with these two patriots throughout my career. A special and respectful mahalo goes out to Senator Akaka for his tremendous support of our military forces, veterans and families. I wish him, Millie, and his family the very best and a very well-deserved retirement at the end of next year.

Although I have never been a member of the Democrat or Republican Party I have always voted because I firmly believe that elections matter. I have always voted for the person over party. I have done my best to educate myself on the issues at hand and analyze how the candidates stand on the important issues of the day and for the future.

One person that I have personally seen with the utmost of integrity and bold, independent courage these past eight years is Governor Linda Lingle. It is no secret that the Hawai‘i Republican Party is not the political force it was under her leadership, but from what I read and hear, better days are ahead.

I witnessed firsthand that as Governor for two full terms, Linda Lingle never placed party goals and objectives over what was best for all the people of Hawai‘i. She publicly stated on day one in December 2002 that she would make this her mantra and she continued putting people first through the end of her term in December 2010.

I have also observed her ability to hear all sides of an issue, ask the right questions and make tough decisions. I have seen her courage and compassion when not in the public eye.

These past eight years have been especially tough on our military and their families based in Hawai‘i. Our active duty, National Guard, and Reserve forces have continually deployed for combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. I have also witnessed firsthand the devastation and anguish families face when notified that their loved ones would not be coming back.

Governor Lingle and I have gone together to console grieving families, provide words of comfort and yes, cried with them. She did not need to do this. She was responsible only for the Hawaii National Guard, but she felt that the military troops based in Hawai‘i were just as much a part of our own ‘ohana.

Especially tough was the visit with families of our Kaneohe Marines where 26 perished in a helicopter crash caused by a sandstorm. These brave Marines had just survived the difficult battle for Fallujah, Iraq. Another emotional time was visiting with the families of the SEAL team based at Pearl Harbor, killed during Operation Redwing in the mountains of Afghanistan. Reflecting back, all the visits with families were tough. Yet each time, Linda Lingle had a sincere way of conveying the gratitude of our State and Nation during a time most difficult for families to comprehend.

That is why I am honored and humbled to answer Linda Lingle’s call to serve as her campaign manager in her run for the U.S. Senate. I consider it a privilege to serve in this role because I know that Linda Lingle is the right choice for Hawai‘i and for America.

I will also be backing another warrior in her campaign for Congress—Tammy Duckworth. I got to know her in Iraq as she worked with our CH-47 Heavy Lift unit. I got to know Tammy even better as she recovered from her horrific wounds at Walter Reed Hospital when her Blackhawk helicopter was shot down. I have seen her personal courage as she learned to walk on new legs, and then run on the treadmill at Walter Reed Hospital. She is driven to continue her service to America and not focus on her serious wounds and injuries. Tammy is running as a Democrat in Illinois’ Eighth District.

In a campaign leading up to an election, normally candidates try to convince voters to select them in the voting booth because they have political experience and a long list of accomplishments.

I view candidates from a different perspective.

The first is the way they act away from the cameras. Are they the same person? Do they play to the crowd and say publicly what is expedient but act differently when the cameras are turned off?

The second is how they will address the future unknown challenges and crises that our Nation will face. Will our elected officials have the courage to make the right decisions – and stand by their convictions without worrying about political consequences?

I have no doubt that Governor Linda Lingle and Tammy Duckworth will stand by their convictions every day and represent all the people of Hawai‘i and Illinois, respectively.

To my fellow citizens, this is not the time to be on the sidelines. America needs you to vote as we face so many critical issues. I am all in for these two ladies and trust you will join me.

Robert G.F. Lee
Major General
U.S. Army (Retired)

Yesterday (Monday) Gov. Lingle was on Maui, going back to her roots and meeting with longtime friends and supporters. The day started off with a visit to the Wailuku Senior Center, where she got a chance to talk story about some of the frauds and scams that target our kupuna.

From there, she traveled to Cafe O’Lei restaurant at the Maui Lani Golf Course, where she spoke with business leaders representing the Maui Chamber of Commerce. She talked about her responsible economic stewardship while governor, turning a $250 million deficit in 2003 into a $750 million surplus by 2006. And above all, she reminded attendees that she will always put the people of Hawaii above any party agenda.

If you haven’t yet, check out the campaign Facebook page for some photos from the day as well as links to news articles about the events. Go to Facebook.com/Lingle2012.

In my blog entry on Sunday [read below], I explained why I am committed to helping get Gov. Lingle elected U.S. Senator, and the reasons why I believe this election is so important to Hawaii and our country.

Hope your Tuesday is productive and successful, and filled with aloha.

Best,
Bob

By JASON ARMSTRONG Tribune-Herald staff writer

Two of the leading contenders seeking to succeed U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka got a taste of Hilo and its voters while on the campaign trail Sunday.

Democrat Ed Case and Republican Linda Lingle each worked the packed crowd at the 13th annual A Taste of Hilo fundraiser that featured local fare.

Case is a former three-term congressman who also served for eight years in the state House. Lingle served as a Maui County Councilwoman for a decade and two terms as Valley Isle mayor before becoming Hawaii’s first female governor in 2002. She won re-election in 2006.

They, along with three-term U.S. Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, a Democrat who served two terms as lieutenant governor, hope to replace Akaka.

In March, the Democratic lawmaker announced he won’t seek re- election to a seat he’s held for the last 21 years.

Both Lingle and Case were in election mode Sunday as they vie for what will be Hawaii’s first open Senate seat since 1990. “I am not about to pick favorites, and you can quote me on that,” Case said after sampling some of items from 30 purveyors of fine food, beverages and desserts. “I’m tasting each and every thing, and each every one has been equally good.”

Lingle said she’s received a positive response and signed up numerous volunteers since having announced her candidacy Tuesday in Honolulu.

“People were very excited,” Lingle said of her decision to run. “I think they were waiting.”

Although Lingle and Case didn’t get the chance to greet each other at Sunday’s food event, they, along with Hirono, are old competitors.

In 2002, Hirono edged Case by two percentage points to win one of the closest gubernatorial primaries in Hawaii’s history. Hirono then lost to Lingle, the GOP nominee, who won re-election in 2006 to a second four-year term.

Next year’s Senate race, like the 2002 governor’s race, will be about change, Case said, adding only he and Lingle are offering that to voters.

Still, he said all three leading candidates are very different people, with contrasting styles, philosophies and goals. “I think it’s a fabulous choice for people,” he said. Case and Lingle now have experience representing Hawaii Island and the other Neighbor Islands, which is something they lacked a decade ago.

“I think they have a record to judge me by,” Lingle said of voters when asked how this race will contrast with the 2002 election. Back then, Lingle said voters had to “take a chance” on her. “I think having a record for eight years makes a big difference,” said Lingle, 58.

Case, who turned 59 last month, offered a similar response. Case said he was a “relatively unknown” candidate back in 2002, forcing him to work hard to get his name and message out to voters.

“This campaign, people are already familiar with me,” he said. That was obvious Sunday as both candidates received numerous hugs, handshakes and verbal endorsements from the well-fed Taste of Hilo participants.

Longtime Hilo resident Leilani Kalua, a self-described veteran Democrat who now favors individual candidates over party affiliation, was happy to have her picture taken with Lingle. “I have always believed in our former governor,” Kalua said. “I feel that she was the strongest woman candidate we had in the state, and I wish her the best of luck in the Senate race.”

During the past decade, Hawaii’s electorate has become more focused on candidates rather than party lines, Case said. That desire to think and act for themselves has reduced the influence of labor unions and other external forces, he said.

While touting her past work with Native Hawaiian homesteaders and promoting an alternative-energy policy, Lingle launched into her campaign platform.

“The economy and jobs are at the top of the list,” she said. To help create employment for Hawaii’s workers, Lingle said she’d like to become the point person for tourism promotion nationwide. Easing visa restrictions and expediting processing times for Chinese visitors are areas that would help, she said. Also, Lingle said she wants to require every federal agency to assess the impact their new programs would have on jobs.

“I know I can help people in our state to survive,” she said.

Case, who like Lingle spent the weekend stumping around Hawaii Island, said people have told him they want the nation’s leaders to fulfill their own job responsibilities.

The absence of decision-making upsets local voters more than having the federal lawmakers make decisions they dislike, Case said.

While he and Lingle were posing for photos, hundreds of others were enjoying the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii’s fundraiser for Hawaii Community College. “We sold 600 tickets,” JCCIH President Mike Kaleikini said while diving into a plate of tasty treats.

Proceeds will go primarily to HCC’s culinary arts program, he said.

In my blog entry yesterday (read below), I laid out the underlying reasons why I am all in for Governor Lingle in her campaign for Senator, and the reasons why I believe this election comes at a crucial time for our state and nation.

Today, Gov. Lingle will be on Maui to meet with senior citizens in the morning, speak at luncheon meeting with business leaders at the Maui Chamber to present her economic message underscoring the need for jobs and her ideas for getting our state and nation moving forward, and then visit with teachers and students at Kihei Charter School.

Governor Lingle’s ability to work with divergent viewpoints to accomplish goals benefiting the entire state, while working with a Democratic-controlled Legislature and working across party lines during her 8 years as the state’s chief executive, served all the people of Hawaii well.

And it’s precisely that type of ability to put aside party allegiances for the good of Hawaii’s people that will serve her and us well as a United States Senator.

Here’s hoping your week gets off to a positive, productive start. Until tomorrow morning’s chat…

Aloha,
Major General (ret) Bob Lee

During this past summer, like most Americans, I was very disturbed to witness the wild swings of the stock market and watch my 401k and IRA portfolio melt down once again. Failure by the U.S. Congress to agree on our country’s debt ceiling roiled the markets. Today and for the foreseeable future we will have an atmosphere of uncertainty facing citizens from every walk of life across the state.

In Hawai‘i we will be witness to a changing of the guard in our U.S. Senate. I cannot remember casting a vote for someone other than Dan Inouye or Dan Akaka in my lifetime. It has been an absolute pleasure working with these two patriots throughout my career. A special and respectful mahalo goes out to Senator Akaka for his tremendous support of our military forces, veterans and families. I wish him, Millie, and his family the very best and a very well-deserved retirement at the end of next year.

Although I have never been a member of the Democrat or Republican Party I have always voted because I firmly believe that elections matter. I have always voted for the person over party. I have done my best to educate myself on the issues at hand and analyze how the candidates stand on the important issues of the day and for the future.

One person that I have personally seen with the utmost of integrity and bold, independent courage these past eight years is Governor Linda Lingle. It is no secret that the Hawai‘i Republican Party is not the political force it was under her leadership, but from what I read and hear, better days are ahead.

I witnessed firsthand that as Governor for two full terms, Linda Lingle never placed party goals and objectives over what was best for all the people of Hawai‘i. She publicly stated on day one in December 2002 that she would make this her mantra and she continued putting people first through the end of her term in December 2010.
I have also observed her ability to hear all sides of an issue, ask the right questions and make tough decisions. I have seen her courage and compassion when not in the public eye.

These past eight years have been especially tough on our military and their families based in Hawai‘i. Our active duty, National Guard, and Reserve forces have continually deployed for combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. I have also witnessed firsthand the devastation and anguish families face when notified that their loved ones would not be coming back.

Governor Lingle and I have gone together to console grieving families, provide words of comfort and yes, cried with them. She did not need to do this. She was responsible only for the Hawaii National Guard, but she felt that the military troops based in Hawai‘i were just as much a part of our own ‘ohana.

Especially tough was the visit with families of our Kaneohe Marines where 26 perished in a helicopter crash caused by a sandstorm. These brave Marines had just survived the difficult battle for Fallujah, Iraq. Another emotional time was visiting with the families of the SEAL team based at Pearl Harbor, killed during Operation Redwing in the mountains of Afghanistan. Reflecting back, all the visits with families were tough. Yet each time, Linda Lingle had a sincere way of conveying the gratitude of our State and Nation during a time most difficult for families to comprehend.

That is why I am honored and humbled to answer Linda Lingle’s call to serve as her campaign manager in her run for the U.S. Senate. I consider it a privilege to serve in this role because I know that Linda Lingle is the right choice for Hawai‘i and for America.

I will also be backing another warrior in her campaign for Congress-Tammy Duckworth. I got to know her in Iraq as she worked with our CH-47 Heavy Lift unit. I got to know Tammy even better as she recovered from her horrific wounds at Walter Reed Hospital when her Blackhawk helicopter was shot down. I have seen her personal courage as she learned to walk on new legs, and then run on the treadmill at Walter Reed Hospital. She is driven to continue her service to America and not focus on her serious wounds and injuries. Tammy is running as a Democrat in Illinois’ Eighth District.

In a campaign leading up to an election, normally candidates try to convince voters to select them in the voting booth because they have political experience and a long list of accomplishments.

I view candidates from a different perspective.

The first is the way they act away from the cameras. Are they the same person? Do they play to the crowd and say publicly what is expedient but act differently when the cameras are turned off?

The second is how they will address the future unknown challenges and crises that our Nation will face. Will our elected officials have the courage to make the right decisions – and stand by their convictions without worrying about political consequences?

I have no doubt that Governor Linda Lingle and Tammy Duckworth will stand by their convictions every day and represent all the people of Hawai‘i and Illinois, respectively.

To my fellow citizens, this is not the time to be on the sidelines. America needs you to vote as we face so many critical issues. I am all in for these two ladies and trust you will join me.

Robert G.F. Lee is a Major General in the U.S. Army (Retired)

In Hawai‘i we will be witness to a changing of the guard in our U.S. Senate. I cannot remember casting a vote for someone other than Dan Inouye or Dan Akaka in my lifetime. It has been an absolute pleasure working with these two patriots throughout my career. A special and respectful mahalo goes out to Senator Akaka for his tremendous support of our military forces, veterans and families. I wish him, Millie, and his family the very best and a very well-deserved retirement at the end of next year.

Although I have never been a member of the Democrat or Republican Party I have always voted because I firmly believe that elections matter. I have always voted for the person over party. I have done my best to educate myself on the issues at hand and analyze how the candidates stand on the important issues of the day and for the future.

One person that I have personally seen with the utmost of integrity and bold, independent courage these past eight years is Governor Linda Lingle. It is no secret that the Hawai‘i Republican Party is not the political force it was under her leadership, but from what I read and hear, better days are ahead.

I witnessed firsthand that as Governor for two full terms, Linda Lingle never placed party goals and objectives over what was best for all the people of Hawaii. She publicly stated on day one in December 2002 that she would make this her mantra and she continued putting people first through the end of her term in December 2010.

I have also observed her ability to hear all sides of an issue, ask the right questions and make tough decisions. I have seen her courage and compassion when not in the public eye.

These past eight years have been especially tough on our military and their families based in Hawai‘i. Our active duty, National Guard, and Reserve forces have continually deployed for combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. I have also witnessed firsthand the devastation and anguish families face when notified that their loved ones would not be coming back.

Governor Lingle and I have gone together to console grieving families, provide words of comfort and yes, cried with them. She did not need to do this. She was responsible only for the Hawaii National Guard, but she felt that the military troops based in Hawai‘i were just as much a part of our own ‘ohana.

Especially tough was the visit with families of our Kaneohe Marines where 26 perished in a helicopter crash caused by a sandstorm. These brave Marines had just survived the difficult battle for Fallujah, Iraq. Another emotional time was visiting with the families of the SEAL team based at Pearl Harbor, killed during Operation Redwing in the mountains of Afghanistan. Reflecting back, all the visits with families were tough. Yet each time, Linda Lingle had a sincere way of conveying the gratitude of our State and Nation during a time most difficult for families to comprehend.

That is why I am honored and humbled to answer Linda Lingle’s call to serve as her campaign manager in her run for the U.S. Senate. I consider it a privilege to serve in this role because I know that Linda Lingle is the right choice for Hawai‘i and for America.

I will also be backing another warrior in her campaign for Congress—Tammy Duckworth. I got to know her in Iraq as she worked with our CH-47 Heavy Lift unit. I got to know Tammy even better as she recovered from her horrific wounds at Walter Reed Hospital when her Blackhawk helicopter was shot down. I have seen her personal courage as she learned to walk on new legs, and then run on the treadmill at Walter Reed Hospital. She is driven to continue her service to America and not focus on her serious wounds and injuries. Tammy is running as a Democrat in Illinois’ Eighth District.

In a campaign leading up to an election, normally candidates try to convince voters to select them in the voting booth because they have political experience and a long list of accomplishments.

I view candidates from a different perspective.

The first is the way they act away from the cameras. Are they the same person? Do they play to the crowd and say publicly what is expedient but act differently when the cameras are turned off?

The second is how they will address the future unknown challenges and crises that our Nation will face. Will our elected officials have the courage to make the right decisions – and stand by their convictions without worrying about political consequences?

I have no doubt that Governor Linda Lingle and Tammy Duckworth will stand by their convictions every day and represent all the people of Hawai‘i and Illinois, respectively.

To my fellow citizens, this is not the time to be on the sidelines. America needs you to vote as we face so many critical issues. I am all in for these two ladies and trust you will join me.

Robert G.F. Lee
Major General
U.S. Army (Retired)

She announced Tuesday that she would be running in November for the seat that Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawai‘i, will leave when he retires from Congress.

Lingle served as mayor of Maui County for eight years before winning the gubernatorial race in November 2001. Re-elected in 2005, she served as Hawaii governor until last year. Upon leaving office, she said she told herself she was done with public service.
But a change of heart — and a desire to make a difference — prompted her to give it yet another shot — this time on the national level.

She said she sees herself as a representative of the people, not just Republicans. While governor she had been a target of criticism inside her party for not hiring enough Republicans.

Lingle said there are cuts in government that need to be made, but what’s really going to help the country to reduce its $14 trillion national debt is stimulating economic growth.

Economic growth

To protect the economy, Lingle said she would promote a law mandating that every time the government passes a new law, it would have to do a Job Impact Statement, analyzing what impacts it would have in the economy.

Lingle also said she would like to bring a more Asia-Pacific focus to the Senate, because roughly 25 percent of the global Gross Domestic Product comes from that region.
Another hot topic for the candidate is the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kaua‘i’s Westside.

She said the national debt has to be brought under control, but PMRF has to be funded. At a time when the federal government is looking at major cuts in the military, PMRF should be preserved, she said. The base sits in a strategic location, brings roughly $50 million to the local economy and employs about 900 people.

PMRF’s location, she said, is crucial for protecting Asian countries in case of war. It affects the entire world, because if the Asian countries can not grow in a peaceful world the global economy will not be able to recover, she added.

Hawai‘i’s two Senate seats have been held by Democrats for years. Lingle said it would be very important for the state to be represented by a member of each party, to ensure the state has representation in the Senate’s majority regardless of which party has power.

Chinese tourists

Promoting tourism at a national level would be one of Lingle’s initiatives. Some 14 million people nationwide work in the visitor industry, she said. But a difficult visa process is one the main hurdles in the business.

“After 9/11 our country just clamped down on visas,” she said.

The Chinese have surpassed the Japanese as the highest spending traveler — spending an average of $360 per day. Lingle, who has spent time in China, said she was told by China’s authority on tourism that Hawai‘i does not need to build a tourism market there; it’s the Chinese dream to visit Hawai‘i.

“Just let us come,” Lingle said she was told in China.

Being a Communist country is not the issue for easing issuance of visas, she said. The main problem frowned upon by U.S. authorities is the rate of tourists who disappear in the crowd, illegally extending their stay in the U.S.

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority on Friday announced that despite the demand from China to visit Hawai‘i remaining high, China Eastern Airlines suspended four flights on its Shanghai to Honolulu route.

“However, obtaining visas to travel to the U.S. continues to be an obstacle,” said Mike McCartney, HTA president and CEO. He added that he will be traveling to China with Gov. Neil Abercrombie this weekend to meet with officials from the U.S. Embassy to discuss streaming the visa process.

Energy

When Lingle was governor she passed a law mandating that by 2030 the state should have 70 percent of its energy coming from renewable and efficient sources. The law surely has its environmental benefits, but Lingle said it was designed mainly to address security issues such as the threat of not having any or enough oil available in case of a war, disaster or shortage.

This year’s Senate race plays almost as a deja vu of the 2001 gubernatorial race.
In 2001, former Rep. Ed Case, D-Hawai‘i, and Rep. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai‘i, faced each other in the Democratic primaries. Hirono won but lost the governor race to Lingle. This year’s race for Akaka’s soon-to-be-empty seat has the same players.

Hirono was on Kaua‘i a few weeks ago, when she met with about 15 community members at a coffee shop in Kapa‘a for a similar session.

Have a great day and hope you’re enjoying your weekend!

The woman was walking up the steps to the entrance to the Pacific Club when she spotted me.

With a smile of recognition, she asked what I was doing there. I explained that I was waiting “for the governor to come and deliver a speech.” Thinking I am talking about Gov. Neil Abercrombie, the smile vanished, replaced with a tense grimace.

“Gov. Lingle is announcing her campaign for the U.S. Senate,” I said. Smile returned, and she beamed: “Wish her good luck.”

The Pacific Club may not be where you go to find Democrats swooning over Abercrombie, but the reaction tells you all you need to know about what Abercrombie adds to the state Democratic ticket in 2012.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle’s return to the campaign trail was a textbook example of how a major campaign rolls out a kick-off.

Previously, Lingle has been much criticized for overly orchestrated and scripted media performances. This week it was pitch perfect.

In a matter of hours this week, Lingle softly blanketed the state with her announcement.

Political reporters got a nudge last week to wake up and charge their cell phones this week; Monday evening there was a “stay tuned” message; Tuesday morning a phone call from former communications czar Lenny Klompus; then the announcement on the “Perry & Price” radio show, followed by interviews and the Pacific Club speech.

Equally important but much less covered was a semi-quiet fundraiser Tuesday evening at the Kahala Hotel with about 200 guests and many more sending money. GOP sources pegged the take at $400,000 netted on the first night of the Lingle campaign.

Compared to the circular firing squad operating in Abercrombie’s state Capitol, the Lingle campaign rollout was a model of glitch-free execution. In her opening speech, Lingle almost made her candidacy sound like Hawaii’s senior U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye was asking her to run as a Republican. She argued that with a GOP takeover of Congress likely, Inouye would need help across the aisle, just like when the GOP controlled the Senate and Democrat Inouye relied on the late GOP Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska. They were a team and Lingle envisions an Inouye-Lingle team working in bipartisan splendor to help Hawaii.

Lingle’s vision may be Inouye’s nightmare, but there is nothing as successful as the audacious argument advanced softly, minus the bellicose tub-thumping. The Lingle campaign will continue to invite comparisons with the Abercrombie
administration and Democrats on the Capitol’s fifth floor will have to wonder if the public will see them as an improvement.

While fighting for the office, Abercrombie was almost biblical in his denouncement of the Lingle years in office. When he first mulled a run for governor, Abercrombie charged that Lingle was taking us in a “direction to lose our soul.”

After 10 months in office, countless flubs, needless fights, a series of historic tax increases and a troubling list of departing state executives, Abercrombie may not be the manager to campaign against Lingle.

The Cook Political Report on Thursday rated the Hawaii U.S. Senate race as a “tossup,” one of the nine most competitive campaigns next year that could determine political control of the Senate. The national newsletter that tracks political campaigns had previously rated Hawaii as “solid Democrat” but adjusted after former Gov. Linda Lingle entered the Republican primary this week.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and former U.S. Rep. Ed Case are the Democrats who want to replace U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, who is not seeking another term. “All in all, Lingle is a solid campaigner and fundraiser with a record of accomplishment on which to run,” Jennifer Duffy, a senior editor at The Cook Political Report, wrote in explaining the new rating. “She is the best candidate that Republicans could possibly hope for in a race in a solidly Democratic state. Whether she can overcome the challenges of running in a presidential year isn’t yet clear, but she will make this a race that Democrats hadn’t counted on having.”

Senate Democrats and independents have a 53-to-47 majority over Republicans. Seven of the nine Senate seats The Cook Political Report has rated as tossups are held by Democrats. Hawaii joins Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Virginia and Wisconsin as the most competitive Democratic seats. Massachusetts and Nevada are the most competitive Republican seats.

While such ratings might not be particularly relevant to Hawaii voters, they can be valuable currency in national political circles because they offer independent assessments of campaigns. Lingle hopes to raise $8 million to $10 million for her campaign. The more competitive rating could help her build early fundraising momentum. Potential Republican donors on the mainland might be more likely to invest in Hawaii, a traditionally Democratic state, if it appears Lingle is viable.

“This prestigious political report published so early in the campaign acknowledges Linda Lingle’s strong record of fiscal responsibility and economic development,” retired Maj. Gen. Robert G.F. Lee, Lingle’s campaign manager, said in an email. “I am confident the people of Hawaii will once again elect her to office, this time on a national level.” Case called the new rating “a blunt but accurate assessment of this crucial election.” “It should serve as a wake-up call to D.C. insiders and to all voters who want change in Washington but not the destructive far-right agenda Linda would strengthen,” he said in an email. “It squarely presents all Democratic primary
voters with the choice of who can best contest Linda’s candidacy in the general and deliver change that will work for all.” Jadine Nielsen, finance chairwoman for the Hirono campaign, said polls have shown Lingle losing to Hirono by double digits.

“Apparently, some Washington political analysts have a little catching up to do regarding the decline in Lingle’s popularity thanks to the super-disappointment of the Superferry, the Furlough Fridays that shortchanged our keiki and public schools, and Lingle’s embrace of Sarah Palin over our island son Barack Obama,” she said in an email. “We’re confident the people of Hawaii haven’t forgotten this Lingle litany of troubling decisions and disappointments.”

In her campaigns for governor, Lingle was often able to sidestep questions about national Republican politics by focusing on Hawaii issues. She will be unable to distance herself as easily in a Senate campaign, although she already said this week that she will not always follow the national GOP.

“Linda Lingle has never run for office in a presidential year and never run for federal office,” Matt Canter, a spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said in an email. “Now she must explain her party’s attempts to dismantle Medicare, cut Social Security, and oppose President Obama on virtually everything. Already in this campaign, Lingle has been unwilling to answer a simple yes or no question about where she stands on the Republican budget.”

Wide coverage by all types of media from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Coast announced that the prestigious Cook Political Report calls the Hawaii US Senate race as a “toss up” after only two days after Gov Linda Lingle announced her campaign. This dramatic movement from “solid Democrat” to “toss up” is because the voters of Hawaii, YOU, elected Linda Lingle to two terms as our Governor. You know her and know she will once again serve you well, this time in Washington, D.C. We need your kokua again to elect her as our next US Senator is 2012.
MAHALO!!!!
Have a great day and wonderful weekend.

The Cook Political Report on Thursday moved the Hawaii U.S. Senate race from “solid Democrat” to a “toss up,” one of the battleground campaigns in the fight to control the Senate.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle’s announcement this week that she will enter the Republican primary put the state into play.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and former congressman Ed Case, the Democratic contenders, still have the advantage in traditionally blue Hawaii to replace U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, who is not seeking another term.

But political analysts now see the campaign as much more competitive.

The Cook rating will likely help Lingle with national fundraising, since it is an independent assessment of her chances. National Democrats may also take a second look at their assumptions about the race and how much will be necessary to defend the seat.

From Cook:

The 23 Democratic-held Senate seats on the ballot next year provide Republicans with a target-rich environment of races in GOP-leaning and swing states. Solidly blue Hawaii should not be a likely candidate for a spot on that list of targets. But, Republicans have managed to recruit the one GOP candidate who can make this race competitive. And, with former Gov. Linda Lingle’s announcement this week that she would run for the seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Dan Akaka, this race moves from the Solid Democratic column to Toss Up.

In her announcement and in a series of media interviews Tuesday, Lingle focused on the need to create jobs and work toward economic recovery. She is very cognizant that President Obama will be on the ballot and worked to strike a balance, saying that she has supported some of his policies and has opposed others. She does not believe that he has done enough, or the right things to improve the economy….In addition, Lingle also stressed that her time as Governor would serve her well in the Senate. She told an audience in August, “Governors bring a particularly different approach in the United States Senate than those people who have come just from the legislative side. … They are less ideological. They are more practical. They are more agenda driven. They are able to put forth something they’d like to achieve and then move to do it because as governor you have to. You can’t hide behind a lot of other people.” She added that bipartisanship is the only way to move the country forward. Finally, she was careful to praise Akaka for his service to the state, noting that he embodies the spirit of aloha.

A Case-Hirono race will be one of contrasts that will pit Case’s more moderate views against Hirono’s more liberal positions and voting record. Case is also making an electability argument, pointing out that Hirono has already lost to Lingle once and her candidacy offers voters little more than the status quo. He argues that if voters want change, they are more likely to vote for Lingle if Hirono is the Democratic nominee. Based on recent history, the primary will be a hard-fought affair. A Ward Research poll (May 4-10 of 403 likely Democratic primary voters) showed a statistical tie with Case ahead of Hirono, 26 percent to 25 percent. ….While Democrats would undoubtedly prefer to anoint a nominee, nothing suggests that Case can be coaxed into dropping his bid. The fact that Hawaii holds its primary late in the cycle – it will be on August 11 next year – means that the nominee will have little time to regroup for the general election.

While Lingle’s numbers aren’t stellar in either survey, they also don’t reflect the reality of where this race is headed. Just about every two-term Governor leaves office much less popular than they were in their first term. Given the economic downturn, it’s not surprising that Lingle’s numbers have taken a significant hit. At the same time, nearly all former Governors recover in voters’ eyes, and we suspect that Lingle will as well.

All in all, Lingle is a solid campaigner and fundraiser with a record of accomplishment on which to run. She is the best candidate that Republicans could possibly hope for in a race in a solidly Democratic state. Whether she can overcome the challenges of running in a presidential year isn’t yet clear, but she will make this a race that Democrats hadn’t counted on having.

All in all, Lingle is a solid campaigner and fundraiser with a record of accomplishment on which to run. She is the best candidate that Republicans could possibly hope for in a race in a solidly Democratic state. Whether she can overcome the challenges of running in a presidential year isn’t yet clear, but she will make this a race that Democrats hadn’t counted on having.

Learn more from The Cook Political Report.

A great Filipino coalition meeting was held at a local restaurant last night and they are ready to charge! A few diners having dinner near by also joined the Lingle team.

Tonight we will meet with the Chinese coalition followed by many meet and greet events state wide before Gov Lingle leaves for some mainland meetings.

You can join the effort by volunteering and donating to the Lingle team.

Get involved today!

Best,
Bob

By Derrick DePledge

Former Gov. Linda Lingle’s entry Tuesday in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate vaults Hawaii onto the national political map next year, opening a new front in the struggle for control in Washington, D.C.

Lingle, the first woman and the first Republican in four decades elected Hawaii governor, gives the GOP a genuine prospect in a state traditionally dominated by Democrats. Senate Democrats and independents have a 53-to-47 majority over Republicans, so four seats can swing the balance of power.

By Kyle Trygstad
Roll Call Staff

Republicans cheered former Gov. Linda Lingle’s entrance into the Hawaii Senate race on Tuesday, even as they said they remain realistic about the significant hurdles she faces.

Lingle’s decision to run ensures the race for retiring Sen. Daniel Akaka’s (D) seat will be one to watch next year.
In the state’s first open Senate race since 1976, Lingle’s two statewide victories and extensive campaign experience made her the National Republican Senatorial Committee’s top recruit.

She was perhaps the only candidate in Hawaii able to put the race into play in what remains reliably Democratic territory. Democrats are defending 23 seats to the GOP’s 10, and the NRSC hopes a competitive race in Hawaii will further thin its Democratic counterpart’s resources.

Despite their optimism, Republicans in Hawaii and Washington, D.C., have no misconception of the reality of the race. With hometown hero President Barack Obama back at the top of the ticket, Lingle will need a significant portion of the electorate to split its vote in the presidential and Senate races. Obama carried the state with 72 percent in 2008.

In an interview, Lingle noted that Republicans picked up seven state House seats in 2000, when she served as the state GOP chairwoman, despite President George W. Bush winning less than 40 percent of the vote.

“It’s a challenge, of course, to have the president running and be of a different party, but people here in Hawaii are very discerning voters and have a history of ticket splitting,” she said. “The good thing is that people here know me so well.”
Beyond that, Lingle won re-election in 2006 with 63 percent amid a nationwide Democratic wave. That same year, Akaka took 61 percent, then-Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D) won 69 percent, and Rep. Mazie Hirono (D) won 61 percent.

“We’ve seen that instance in the past, and that’s definitely a dynamic we’re going to have to see to be successful in ’12,” said Dylan Nonaka, a Hawaii-based GOP consultant and former state party executive director.

But Democrats noted their party’s recent success in the state and said Lingle does not have much experience raising money out of state, thanks in part to state laws restricting mainland contributions in state races.

“She’s going to have to convince donors that Hawaii is a competitive state, and I think that’s going to be a hurdle for her,” Democratic strategist Ed Espinoza said, noting the party’s sweep in last year’s gubernatorial, Senate and House races. “Now, she’s got to make the case that she can do better in 2012.”

The law restricting out-of-state money, sometimes called the Lingle Law, was put in place following Lingle’s 1-point loss in the 1998 gubernatorial race, when she raised significant money outside of the state. Lingle conceded she will need to raise dollars on the mainland but noted that Democratic federal officeholders consistently raise a majority of their money outside Hawaii. Doing so, she said, would be no problem.
According to a schedule of events for the pro-Israel group Norpac that was obtained by Roll Call, there is a fundraiser scheduled for Lingle, who is Jewish, on Oct. 30 at a private home in Lawrence, N.Y.

One way Lingle will tell donors she can win is by reminding them of what happened in 2002, when Hirono, then the lieutenant governor, and Ed Case, then a state Representative, battled for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. Hirono won the primary by 2 points and then lost to Lingle by 5 points in the general election.
Hirono and Case are running against each other again, this time for Senate. Just as last time, Hirono is running with the establishment support. Sen. Daniel Inouye (D), the top political figure in the state, is still upset at Case for challenging Akaka in 2006. And last week Inouye told the Hawaii press that he intends to vote for Hirono in the Democratic primary.

“This election cycle should be most interesting and very exciting,” Inouye said in a statement following Lingle’s entrance.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee immediately tied Lingle on Tuesday to former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, whom Lingle formally nominated at the 2008 Republican National Convention.

In a statement, DSCC spokesman Matt Canter also tied Lingle to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and national Republicans “whose sole priority is to defeat President Obama at every turn.”

But Lingle said tying her to the national party won’t work for Democrats. Voters in Hawaii know her as a strong fiscal conservative, she said, yet also as someone who is often criticized by members of her own party. Lingle said the economy and the federal budget will be the top issues in the race and that she has the right message on those issues.

“We’re in an economy that’s reliant on tourism, and that means we need a strong American economy,” Lingle said. “When people are worried about the future, they don’t take trips to Hawaii.”

Aloha and good morning!

I’m very happy to be running Linda Lingle’s Senate campaign, serving as the campaign manager. We are going to do our very best and I know it will be enjoyable because we are doing it as a team who has worked very closely for the past eight years. This is a new challenge for me – having never been involved in politics or a registered member of any political party – but the time is right to do this, so I have decided to come out of retirement and go back to work!

I have full confidence in the ability of our candidate and we are looking forward to marching on to victory.

I encourage you to read all of the coverage on this exciting race for the people of Hawaii. Stay tuned for more reports from the campaign field.

Mahalo,
Bob

Former Governor Linda Lingle made official what’s been speculated since last year – she’s running for U.S. Senate.

It’s a race for Senator Akaka’s seat that already has national attention with the party control of senate hanging in the balance in races across the country. Lingle says she’s ready to raise an unheard of sum in a Hawaii election – $8 million to $10 million.

After a brief time out of the political spotlight since ending her gubernatorial term in December, Linda Lingle is back, this time vying for Senate. She addressed a business group at the Pacific Club about why.

“Having a Republican representing us in the U.S. Senate is critically important for Hawaii. We want to have a foot in both camps,” Lingle says.

She talked about key issues of the economy, requiring a jobs impact statement before any federal regulations can go into effect, Asia-Pacific Security and the importance of tourism on a nationwide level.

Lingle chose the state’s former Adjutant General Robert Lee as her campaign manager – someone who says he never even belonged to a party before, but who Lingle says is well respected, strategic and unrattled under pressure.

“She specifically wanted someone not involved in politics before to kind of view things differently,” said Lee.

Former state lawmaker John Carroll will be her contender in the Republican primary. In a statement he said “I look forward to debating Linda on the issues that are important to Hawaii’s Republicans.”

Ed Case and Mazie Hirono are squaring off on the Democratic ticket but each of them had Lingle largely in their sights as she formally entered the race.

“The values of the far-right Washington that Linda wants to join are simply not Hawaii’s values, and they’re not the country’s values,” Case said.

Lingle says she expects to raise between $8 million and $10 million for the campaign, millions more than her already state-record-breaking run for re-election for governor.

“We will not be raising $8 million to $10 million I can assure you of that. We’re going to be outraised and outspent throughout this election. That’s the nature of my campaigns, but we have incredible momentum at the grassroots,” Case said.

The other high-profile candidates for the seat make this race largely a repeat of the 2000 gubernatorial lineup.

Hirono nudged out Case in then Democratic primary, Lingle beat Hirono in the general election.

HONOLULU — Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle, a Republican, announced on Tuesday she is running for the U.S. Senate, setting up a major statewide political showdown in the race to replace U.S. Sen. Dan Akaka, who is retiring.
Democrats U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, former Rep. Ed Case, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs Advocate Esther Kiaaina have announced their candidacies.
Lingle faces Republican John Carroll, an attorney and former state lawmaker, in the primary.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to enter the Senate race,” said Lingle in a speech before the Sales and Marketing Executives International lunch meeting at the Pacific Club Tuesday.
Having a Republican in the U.S. Senate is “critically important to Hawaii,” Lingle said, especially since the GOP is expected to take over the U.S. Senate next year.
“Having a senator from each party is the very best possible situation for us. Because it doesn’t matter which party is in control. We will always have one of our senators within that caucus and able to bring our issues forward,” Lingle said.
She said, “it won’t be an easy race,” with Democratic President Barack Obama on the ballot for reelection next year and two “strong opponents” in the Senate race, referring to Case and Hirono.
Lingle said she expects to raise between eight and ten million dollars in the race. She held a fundraiser Tuesday night at Waialae Country Club, where she expected to raise close to $500,000, Lingle said.
“The values of the far-right Republicans in Washington that Linda wants to join are not Hawaii’s values,” Case said. “Their idea of change has not been good for our country and doesn’t offer a solution for most Americans. Linda will just become another senator pursuing an agenda for the few at the expense of most.”
“Republican Linda Lingle’s announcement today isn’t particularly surprising,” said Hirono campaign finance Chairwoman Jadine Nielsen in a statement. “The national Republican Party has been anxious to move Lingle back to center stage as they did at the 2008 Republican National Convention, when Lingle went on national television to second Sarah Palin’s nomination for Vice President and endorse the McCain-Palin ticket over our island son, Barack Obama,” Nielsen said.
Hirono did not release a statement or make herself available for interviews Tuesday.
Republican Lingle will once again run for statewide office in a state dominated by Democrats — where 70 percent of the voters backed Barack Obama for president in 2008.
“Voters are very discerning. They’re not robots. They don’t just go down the line. They vote what’s in the interest of their family and their business in Hawaii. And they’re going to do the same thing here,” Lingle said.
“Lingle’s record is not getting along, not crossing the bridges, eight years of not accomplishing anything across the aisle,” said Case. “And she did in fact go out there and endorse Sarah Palin, who is about as far right as you can get. And she wanted Sarah Palin to be the vice president of this country. And you cannot get away from that,” Case said.
Lingle said Democrats have repeatedly tried to tie her to national Republicans who are unpopular in Hawaii.
“The reason it won’t work is because the people of Hawaii know me. They know I have never put my political party before the people of Hawaii,” Lingle said.
Lingle named retired Gen. Robert Lee as her campaign manager. Lee headed the state national guard as state adjutant general during Lingle’s eight years as governor.
Case has named Lloyd Nekoba, a veteran of the campaigns of Gov. Neil Abercrombie and former Gov. Ben Cayetano, as his campaign manager.
The Pacific Club, where Lingle spoke Tuesday, did not admit women as members until 1984 and allowed its first asian American members in 1968.
Lingle is 58 years old, significantly younger than her GOP opponent Carroll, who is 81. Carroll is six years younger than Akaka and Dan Inouye, Hawaii’s two current U.S. senators, who are both 87 years old.
She also said her highest priorities will be job creation and economic growth. Lingle said if elected, she will act as the point person for tourism in America. She also said she wants the federal government to conduct a jobs impact study to figure out how many jobs might be lost before it implements new rules and regulations.

Republicans have landed their top recruit in the open Hawaii Senate race, with former governor Linda Lingle entering the race and giving the GOP a chance to win in a heavily Democratic state.

Lingle announced her intentions during an interview with KSSK-AM radio shortly before 1 p.m. eastern time.

Lingle, a two-term governor who left office after the 2010 election, immediately becomes the frontrunner for the GOP nomination by virtue of her fundraising ability and political experience.

But she left office with so-so personal approval numbers and appears to enter the race with some work to do in repairing her political brand. Complicating matters is the fact that, for the first time, she will be on the statewide ballot with President Obama, whose roots in the state should make things more difficult for any Republican downballot next year. Obama took 72 percent of the vote in Hawaii in 2008.

On the Democratic side, Rep. Mazie Hirono has secured much of the establishment support, but former congressman Ed Case stands between her and the general election.

Lingle became Hawaii’s first elected female governor when she was first elected in 2002. She easily won reelection in 2006 with 63 percent of the vote, in part no doubt due to an uninspiring Democratic challenger. But she was broadly popular during much of her tenure.

Democrats have signaled that they will make Lingle’s introduction of Sarah Palin at the 2008 Republican National Convention a major issue in the campaign.

“Today marks Linda Lingle’s biggest announcement since she nominated Sarah Palin for vice president, an event that typified Lingle’s partisan Republican approach to governing,” said a spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Matt Canter.

A Hawaii Poll released in May showed Hirono leading Lingle by 22 points, while Case led by 18.

Case’s campaign released a more recent poll that showed him leading Lingle by 10 points, while Hirono trailed her by five. The poll earned Case an unusual rebuke from the national Democratic Party, which doubted its results.

Lingle will speak at a lunch in Hono­lulu at 6 p.m. eastern time, according to the Hono­lulu Star-Advertiser.

The seat became open when Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) announced he would not seek reelection.

Republicans need to take three or four Democratic seats to win back the majority in the Senate. Hawaii isn’t considered one of their top pickups, so if they win here, it will likely be part of a big GOP wave.

Lingle, 58, was the first woman to be governor of Hawaii and served two terms. She is scheduled to make her announcement today at a luncheon for marketing executives in Honolulu.

Her candidacy was first reported in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, but Democrats lost no time trying to undermine the popular former chief executive by linking her to former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, the GOP’s candidate for vice president in 2008. Speaking in prime time at that year’s Republican convention, Lingle praised Palin, with whom she became friends as fellow Republican governors. It was the equivalent of a nominating speech for Palin, who was selected by then-GOP presidential candidate John McCain as his running mate.

“Today marks Linda Lingle’s biggest announcement since she nominated Sarah Palin for Vice President, an event that typified Lingle’s partisan Republican approach to governing,” Matt Canter, spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said in a statement. “Now Lingle wants to go to Washington to become a rubber-stamp for Mitch McConnell and the Republican party whose sole priority is to defeat President Obama at every turn.”

Republicans need a net gain of four seats to win control of the Senate, and Hawaii may represent one of the GOP’s best opportunities to achieve that goal. The seat is held by Sen. Daniel Akaka, 86, who announced that he will not seek reelection in 2012, setting up Hawaii’s first open Senate race in more than two decades.

Akaka’s departure has set up a scramble among Democrats. Rep. Mazie Hirono and former Rep. Ed Case are competing for the party’s nomination. Case challenged Akaka for the nomination in 2006, leading to speculation that most of the party’s establishment would rather back Hirono. Sen. Daniel Inouye has made it clear he favors Hirono.

A battle between Lingle and Hirono would be a repeat of the 2002 governor’s race, which Lingle won by 5 percentage points. Lingle handily won reelection in 2006, with 63% of the vote.

Former Hawaii Republican governor Linda Lingle will announce she’s running for the Senate for the seat of retiring Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Her decision gives Republicans a shot at competing in the state’s open-seat race, given her past ability to win in a solidly Democratic state.

The paper reported she will be announcing her candidacy Tuesday at a luncheon with business leaders in Honolulu.

Lingle served two terms as governor from 2002 until 2010, after serving as mayor of Maui. She narrowly defeated Rep. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, to win her first term and office and won re-election with 63 percent of the vote four years later. In the Senate race, she could face a rematch against Hirono, who is facing former Rep. Ed Case in the Democratic primary.

Case irritated national Democrats earlier this year when he released a poll that showed Hirono losing to Lingle. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee immediately pushed back by pointing to their own poll showing Hirono winning against Lingle.

Hawaii is a comfortably Democratic state, and gave President Obama his largest margin of victory in his birth state. He won 72 percent of the vote in the 2008 presidential race. But Republicans have been competitive there recently. In addition to Lingle’s success, George W. Bush carried 45 percent of the vote in the 2004 presidential election. That year, former Vice President Dick Cheney made a last-minute trek to the state, in hopes of picking it off for the Republicans.

Obama’s popularity in his home state should bolster downballot Democrats, but he wasn’t able to boost Illinois Senate nominee Alexi Giannoulias, who lost last year’s Illinois Senate race to now-Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill.

Lingle could be the third Jewish Republican Senate nominee this election cycle – a time when Republicans are amping up their criticism over Obama’s treatment of Israel. In Ohio, state Treasurer Josh Mandel is expected to win the Republican nomination to face Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio. And in Florida, former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner is facing a competitive primary for the nomination to take on Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla.

After 10-months of near silence, the slickest political team in modern Hawaii history — Linda Lingle’s — is back in business.

Fittingly, the former Hawaii governor announced her campaign for the U.S. Senate not once but twice on Tuesday, both times to great fanfare.

The first announcement came on the popular “Perry and Price” show on KSSK radio. It was like Arnold Schwarzenegger telling Jay Leno he was running for California governor.

The second announcement — after the news of her candidacy had already blanketed the local media — came just after noon at the regal Pacific Club, where Lingle had long been scheduled to address a luncheon.

The luncheon was sponsored by — wait for it — the Honolulu chapter of Sales and Marketing Executives International.

Whatever one’s views on her politics, Lingle knows her public relations.

Campaign Foreshadowed

Lingle’s announcement had long been expected. She had dropped hints ever since leaving the governorship in December. By waiting until October, she is likely the last major candidate to jump into a congressional race.

Before most folks in Hawaii were awake the news had already spread via national political blogs and media outlets. Her expected candidacy was also on the front page of Honolulu’s daily newspaper, Internet sites and television news and radio programs that morning, throughout the day and into the evening.

Meanwhile, an advertisement for the Lingle campaign cropped up on the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s website by midmorning. “Click here to learn more,” it reads.

Locally, by sharing the news on KSSK and then at the Pacific Club, Lingle was reaching out to two key constituencies: the hoi polloi and the elite.

Lingle had promised KSSK radio stars Michael W. Perry and Larry Price that, should she run for Senate, she would tell them first. With communications guru Lenny Klompus and campaign manager Bob Lee at her side in the studio, she made good on her word.

Perry later told Civil Beat, “She just showed up with her camera crew, dressed in blue and black and looking sharp. She was happy and very positive, and you could see that she had made her decision, was at peace with it and ready for bear. She knows what she is doing.”

Perry, who noted that Lingle’s appearance was posted on KSSK’s website, said he could not remember the last time a prominent local political candidate announced on his show.

Perry, like Lingle a political conservative, treated her with kid gloves.

“I asked her that, if she was in the Senate right now, would she be for or against jobs bill,” said Perry. “She said, ‘I don’t know, I haven’t read it.’ And I thought, ‘That’s an interesting concept — that, yes, we have to start reading bills, because there are some really poison pills in there.’”

Tuning in to Perry’s repartee with Lingle was the largest radio audience in the state. Great PR, and all free of charge.

On Message

By time Lingle rolled into the Pacific Club at midday, every major news outlet in town was there to hear what she had to say to the marketing executives.

Civil Beat was there, of course, and we could easily give you the highlights of her campaign’s focus.

But, why not just read all about it on Lingle’s newly minted campaign website?

Click on the website’s issues link and it’s all there — like jobs and the economy (“I will work every day to ensure that the nearly 14 million Americans who are currently looking for work can find gainful employment”), national security and defense (“I will advocate for and work toward the preservation of America’s security forces that will insure stability and deterrence from armed aggression in the Asia-Pacific region”), tourism (“We can create 1.3 million new jobs simply by restoring the United States’ share of the travel market to its 2000 levels”), etc.

Or, read Lingle’s nifty new Twitter handle, @lingle2012 (70 followers), which features a customized Twitter background. By late afternoon, Lingle had already tweeted 16 times, including this one:

“We want people to work together. As a Republican in Hawaii, I’ve had to work across party lines to get things done.”
(According to her twitter feed, Lingle also “discussed her decision” on Rick Hamada’s KHVH radio show before she went to KSSK. So, technically, she announced three times.)

Lingle’s Facebook page, meanwhile, is even more detailed. Here’s a post from around 4:30 p.m.:

Mahalo to Hawaii News Now for coming down to the SMEI luncheon cover Linda Lingle’s discussion of the importance for Hawaii of having bipartisan representation in the U.S. Senate.
The post had two likes.

Lingle elaborated on her views at the luncheon, of course — for example, how she wants to be America’s “point person” on tourism and how federal agencies should perform the equivalent of an environmental impact statement before implementing new rules and regulations to see whether they kill jobs.

But her campaign is making sure that a very well-structured, controlled story is available for all to see.

The Bipartisan One

Lingle spoke on one issue more than any other: bipartisanship. As the country appears to be turning toward the GOP, she reasons, Hawaii needs a Republican in the Senate.

Several times, Lingle pointed to “bipartisan” accomplishments she hammered out with the likes of Daniel K. Inouye and Colleen Hanabusa. She linked herself to former governors of both parties now serving in the Senate, a so-called “executive caucus.”

Before taking reporters’ questions, Lingle gave the marketing executives the first shot.

Their questions allowed Lingle to talk about other issues close to her heart, including a strong defense of her handling of the Hawaii Superferry (“Nothing wrong was done … an EIS was never required”) and how she’ll be an independent-minded senator like her buddy Susan Collins of Maine (“I don’t work for Mitch McConnell, I work for the people of Hawaii”).

Asked about her views on national immigration policy, Lingle gave a detailed response that was in effect a strong defense of the multiculturalism that formed Hawaii.

“It’s like the questions were planted,” a reporter whispered to me.

Reporters asked a few questions. They found out Lingle believes she’ll need between $8-10 million to run her campaign and that she doesn’t think criticism of her support for Sarah Palin will stick. No zingers. No gaffes.

Hawaii voters will hear more of Lingle’s views as she takes her campaign across the state. She will also be given greater scrutiny by her opponents and the media.

But Tuesday’s events made for a heck of an opening splash.

Maj. Gen. Robert Lee (ret) to serve as Campaign Manager

HONOLULU – Former Governor Linda Lingle, Hawai‘i’s sixth elected governor, today announced her candidacy for the United States Senate in the 2012 election. The open seat was created when Senator Daniel Akaka stated he would not seek a fifth term.

“I always enjoyed working with Senator Akaka during my eight years as Governor,” Lingle said in her announcement. “He always treated me with aloha even though we belonged to different political parties. Senator Akaka embodied the spirit of Aloha in Washington, D.C. and served the people of Hawaii with grace and dignity for 34 years,” she added.

“I am very appreciative of the encouragement I have received from our residents across the state about my run for Hawai‘i’s open U.S. Senate seat. Because of this support, and after much thoughtful deliberation, I am energized and enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve all the people of Hawai‘i in Washington,” said Governor Lingle. “If elected, first, foremost and always, my decisions will put Hawai‘i people first as we decide the critical issues facing our state and country.”

Building on her experience as a five-term council member on Maui, two-term Mayor of Maui and eight years as Governor, Linda Lingle will also bring her strong record of fiscal accountability and executive experience in economic development, stimulating job creation, international relations, clean energy and visitor industry issues to Washington.

Among her key policy achievements as Governor, Linda Lingle was able to gain wide support for programs and initiatives like the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education expansion for students statewide, improved mental health services, environmental protection initiatives, a big reduction in the number of children in foster care and a drastic reduction in child re-abuse rates, business and economic development and affordable housing construction, especially for the Native Hawaiian community.

Governor Lingle will crisscross the state over the next 13 months to meet with residents, citizen groups, businesses and county leaders, as well as Hawai‘i’s military and veterans to discuss the issues that are of the highest priority to them at a national level.

“There is so much that needs to be done in Washington for our residents, and I want my fellow citizens to know their voice will be carried to the nation’s Capitol and their issues will be discussed at the highest level,” said Governor Lingle. “The people deserve to have the best representation possible in Washington and I am honored that so many of our residents have encouraged me to be their voice.”

Major General Robert Lee, U.S. Army retired, former State Adjutant General and head of Hawaii’s National Guard during the Lingle Administration from 2002-2010, will serve as the campaign manager for the Linda Lingle Senate Committee.

“I’m excited to bring my local, national and international leadership experience to this important campaign, which I know will complement an incredibly talented team. Governor Lingle is the right person at the right time with the right approach to serve in Washington. Her balanced, practical approach to governing is what we need in this time of uncertainty for our state and nation,” said Maj. General Lee.

Since the conclusion of her two terms as Governor, Linda Lingle has served as one of six founding members of the Governors Council at the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC), a national public policy and advocacy organization in Washington, DC. The Council is composed of immediate former governors of both parties who have achieved a record of bipartisan success.

Governor Lingle first served the people of Hawai‘i as a member of the Maui County Council from 1981-1991, and later as Mayor of Maui from 1991-1999. She was elected Governor in 2002 and won an unprecedented majority of votes in all of Hawai‘i’s 51 House Districts in her 2006 re-election campaign. Click here for a full biography.

Additional information can be found online at www.lingle2012.com. The campaign is also present in social media: @lingle2012 on Twitter and on Facebook at facebook.com/lingle2012.

Forget our infatuation with Ed Case, who cruelly dumped us after the last election after sending 14,725 emails seeking contributions.

Yes, we know that Lingle is one of only three Republicans in the state and this somewhat lessens her chances of winning the seat. But we like her basic principles, which, by the way, may seem freakish to many.

Lingle’s basic principles include:

1. Private enterprise may actually be a better place to create jobs than government (mind you, we realize the private sector is not as reliable a base when seeking political contributions as public employee unions, but, then again, businesses actually have to be successful – government does not. Failed businesses disappear; failed governmental departments demand more money and great pensions).

2. Honesty and forthrightness (terrible attributes in a politician, but surprisingly appealing to people who actually pay taxes).

3. Concern for the average citizen who needs a job. OMG, did we actually say that? All you folks at HC&S should realize not everyone thinks you should be kicked out of work.

OK, maybe we overstepped on what Linda Lingle’s principles are and substituted one or two of our own. But we really think she is pretty closely aligned and, who knows, as blunt and forthright as she is, she may express them the same way.

Two things we do know about her though are that she is honest and believes in the free enterprise system.

As regular readers know, we did not agree with everything Linda Lingle did as governor.

But we’d refer you to the paragraph just above – she is honest and believes in the free enterprise system.

Those are two great attributes in a United States senator.

* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.