Lingle cites economic success in campaign
A possible Democratic rival criticizes her for failing to lead the state
The state's booming economic is likely to be a large part of Gov. Linda Lingle's re-election campaign.
Lingle yesterday cited the progress in the state's economy as one of her major accomplishments.
Earlier this week, Lingle was criticized by former Democratic state Sen. Randy Iwase, who is considering running against Lingle.
Iwase said Lingle has failed to lead the state and has emphasized ceremony over accomplishments.
Lingle said yesterday, "The record is clear. We have been able to turn a substantial deficit into a strong surplus and added 40,000 new jobs since we came in."
She added, "Once the Democrats have an official candidate, I will offer comments when the campaign actually begins."
Lingle said that when she ran for election in 2002, "the No. 1 issue was the poor state of the economy and the budget deficit."
"Measured against that, we have done a good job," Lingle added.
No official Democratic candidate for governor has surfaced yet, although Iwase, chairman of the state Labor Appeals Board, is the latest possible candidate to express an interest.
Brickwood Galuteria, state Democratic Party chairman, said earlier this week that he was encouraged by Iwase's comments.
He noted that Iwase was the only candidate to voluntarily say he wanted to run against Lingle.