Lingle campaigns at Leeward college
| • | Lingle rules out race for Congress |
By Lynda Arakawa
Advertiser Capitol Bureau
Republican gubernatorial candidate Linda Lingle focused her campaign message at younger people yesterday at Leeward Community College, where she spoke for more than an hour about issues such as education, government corruption and the importance of a strong two-party system of government.
Lingle told nearly 200 students in the LCC theatre that if she wins she would restore $100 million in annual financing to the university system within the first three years of her administration. To achieve that, the economy needs to grow, she said.
Lingle, who is endorsed by the University of Hawai'i Professional Assembly, also said she supports full autonomy for the university.
She reminded students that Democrats have dominated the state House, Senate and governorship for 40 years, and cited a poor education system, slow job growth, and an increase in poverty. She noted a number of criminal convictions involving Democratic politicians, and said such a situation occurs when any one party is in power for too long.
Some students who talked with The Advertiser after Lingle's talk said they were impressed with her answers and liked what she had to offer. Others said they thought she was interesting but wanted to hear what Democratic candidate Mazie Hirono's plans were. Most of those who were interviewed were not registered to vote.
Meanwhile, the Building Industry Association's political action committee announced its endorsement of Lingle and her running mate, James "Duke" Aiona. The BIA has almost 500 member companies representing over 20,000 employees statewide.
Reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com or at 525-8070.
