Lingle says president set
correct tone on Sen. LottThe troubles facing Republican Sen. Trent Lott of Mississippi aren't lost on Gov. Linda Lingle.
Lingle said last week that she supported comments made by President Bush that any suggestion that the segregated past was acceptable or positive is wrong.
"I was very proud that the president came out so quickly and strongly to make a point that those comments did not represent the spirit of America," she said.
Bush issued his rebuke Dec. 12, a week after a birthday party for 100-year-old Sen. Strom Thurmond. At the party, Lott suggested the nation might not have the problems it is facing today if Thurmond, a segregationist at the time, had won the 1948 presidential election.
Although Lott has repeatedly apologized for his remarks to the black community and to his colleagues, there was not enough support to keep him as Senate majority leader.
Lott announced Friday that he will resign his leadership post on Jan. 6 but will remain in the Senate.
State Senate President Robert Bunda (D, Wahiawa) said what Lott did was wrong. Still, he feels a little sorry for Lott because, he says, he was only trying to cheer up Thurmond on his 100th birthday.
Union backs Matsunaga
A construction union with about 3,000 members has endorsed Matt Matsunaga for Congress.Operating Engineers Local 3 cited Matsunaga's legislative experience and voting record in education, law enforcement and the economy in making its endorsement.
The special election to complete the term of the late Rep. Patsy Mink takes place Jan. 4.
Hanabusa endorsed
Ironworkers in classic cars showed their support yesterday for Colleen Hanabusa's run for Congress.The Iron Workers Union Local 625 staged a parade of 25 to 30 vintage cars from Village Park in Waipahu to Waimanalo with Hanabusa leading the pack.
The union endorsed Hanabusa in the special election to replace the late Patsy Mink.
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