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By Malia Zimmerman | HawaiiReporter.com
Former Gov. Linda Lingle
HONOLULU — In virtually every news release since announcing her candidacy for U.S. Senate, former Republican Gov. Linda Lingle has said she is “bipartisan,” and if elected, she is ready to work with Democrats, including President Barack Obama.
Her comments — part of a campaign strategy to win one of the nation’s bluest states during a year when Obama is running for re-election — have irked Republicans and Democrats.
How much her claim has annoyed Democrats became clear during the Hawaii Democratic Convention this weekend, where several Democrats publicly took jabs at Lingle, including U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye.
“You know, I can’t believe it. She comes on and she says, ‘I am bipartisan.’ And she says I want to be a partner to Dan just like (former U. S. Sen.) Ted Stevens. Let me assure you, she is no Ted Stevens,” said Inouye during his closing remarks at the convention.
