Lingle ‘impressed’ with Palin

Hawaii's Republican Gov. Linda Lingle enthusiastically endorsed Alaska's Gov. Sarah Palin as Sen. John McCain's running mate for vice-president today.

"I am excited to support this historical team...to lead our nation," Lingle said in a statement.

She said she has worked with the Alaska governor for two years and "have been impressed by her vast knowledge and leadership on a plethora of issues, especially energy independence, her proactive reform platform on a local and national basis and her courage to fight corruption in her state."

Lingle noted she was with Palin at a governors' meeting in Dallas in April when Palin went into labor with her fifth child, Trig. Palin made the trip back to Alaska where she gave birth.

"Gov. Palin represents the true American spirit, as a wife, 'hockey mom' of five, a skilled hunter and an accomplished snowmobile racer," Lingle said. "While she may be a fresh face on the national political scene, she is known by fellow governors as a powerful leader in her home state.

"Her chief executive experience as both a governor and a mayor will complement Sen. McCain's vast foreign policy knowledge and experience," Lingle said.