Political File
News, notes and anecdotes on
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Lingle agrees to debate Democratic opponent this fall
Gov. Linda Lingle will participate in least one debate with her general election opponent, she said last week.
Lingle filed for re-election as a Republican last week.
"I expect in the general election to have at least one debate," Lingle said in response to a reporter's question.
Democrat Randy Iwase, who is challenging Lingle, said he welcomes the debate, but said the candidates for governor should plan at least one debate in each of Hawaii's four counties.
"Also I think a debate should not be heavily structured; it should be more freewheeling, so we can ask each other questions," Iwase said.
William Aila is the other recognized Democrat running for governor.
Iwase raises prison issue
Randy Iwase, Democratic candidate for governor, says Gov. Linda Lingle is making a mistake by ruling out plans to build any more prisons in Hawaii.
Lingle announced last week that she has shifted her policy away from prison construction, with the state continuing to ship inmates to the mainland while maintaining the existing prisons and expanding community-based correctional centers.
"We can locate a prison in this state. It should not be in an urban area or an area of growth, but it should be in an isolated, rural area," Iwase said.
He criticized Lingle for saying that community opposition has prevented the state from moving ahead on prison construction plans.
"It is a non-idea and another example of her lack of leadership," said Iwase, a former city councilman and state senator.
"This is what happens when you pander to polls," Iwase said.