Lingle taking it
to the streets

If you're a registered voter in Hawaii, don't be surprised if the next time you answer your door or pick up the phone, you're greeted by Gov. Linda Lingle.

Districts in governor's sights Legislative districts in which Gov. Linda Lingle has walked door to door to campaign for Republican candidates during the past week include: » Olowalu-Kapalua on Maui, where Republican Rep. Brian Blundell faces Democrat Kam Tanaka. » Hanalei-Kapaa on Kauai, where Democratic Rep. Hermina Morita faces Republican Mamo Cummings. » Waipahu-Waikele, where Democratic Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu faces Republican Rito Saniatan. » Ewa Beach-Iroquois Point, where Democratic Rep. Romeo Mindo faces Republican Kymberly Pine. » Kalaeloa-Nanakuli, where Democratic Rep. Michael Kahikina faces Republican Karen Awana. » Schofield-Kahuku, where Democratic Rep. Michael Magaoay faces Republican Carol Anne Philips.

This year, the first election in 42 years with a Republican governor in office, Lingle is going one on one with voters to persuade them to choose GOP candidates in Tuesday's general election.

And she's not just doing it from her fifth-floor Capitol office.

In recent weeks, Lingle has stumped for Republicans across the state at rallies and sign-waving events, walked door to door with candidates in their districts and recorded automated telephone messages appealing for support in the Legislature as she enters the second half of her term.

"Every spare minute I have, I'm helping our candidates because I believe it's in the best interest of Hawaii families to have a better balance in the Legislature," Lingle said. "I think we'll get better laws."

Republicans have made it their goal this year to win a majority in the 51-member House, where Democrats now hold a 36-15 advantage. The GOP is outnumbered in the Senate 20-5.

At a minimum, Republicans are aiming for at least three more House seats, which would give them enough votes to block Democrats from overriding Lingle's vetoes.

In the last two years, majority Democrats have overridden 13 of the governor's vetoes -- one of the main reasons she has been so active this political season.

"I basically tell them I need some more help in the Legislature and that this is a candidate I'm supporting and I hope they'll help me," Lingle said.

House Majority Leader Scott Saiki said Democrats have countered the governor's efforts by meeting individually with more constituents and focusing on the Legislature's accomplishments this session: education reform, crystal methamphetamine legislation and prescription drug relief.

"What we've tried to do is tried to really make an attempt to let voters know what Democrats have done over the past two years and what we'll continue to do in the future," said Saiki (D, Moiliili-McCully). "I think that's made a difference because voters realize that Democrats have worked really hard to address challenges facing our state as well as challenges within their own communities."

Lingle has taken her effort into communities, too.

Lingle said the party has identified about 15 races against incumbent Democrats that have been targeted as winnable contests.