By Jerry Burris
Advertiser Editorial Editor

Four years ago, the campaign for governor between Linda Lingle and Ben Cayetano boiled itself down, virtually, to two words: "change" and "values."

Lingle took possession of change, arguing that her candidacy represented a chance to change the policies and leadership styles that had dominated the state for decades. It was a "throw-the-rascals-out" kind of campaign and it nearly worked.

Cayetano used "values" as a code word for a theme Democrats have always used: the idea that this is the party that understands the needs (and history) of Hawai'i's working-class people and their plantation heritage. Things may not be perfect, this approach says, but don't ever forget that it was the Democrats who brought you from nothing to where you are today.

There's a good chance we may hear a reprise of that campaign this time around, between Lingle and Democrat Mazie Hirono.

Lingle, of course, has stuck with the "change" message although it is somewhat more nuanced this time around. The campaign learned the hard way last time that when you say "change," the voters reply: "To what?" The lack of details about what would happen after the change may have contributed to her narrow loss.

So this year there is a lengthy platform booklet and other statements that at least attempt to put some flesh on the bones of change. But change remains the mantra.

Hirono has sought to co-opt the change theme, in part because it clearly propelled her primary opponent Ed Case to within inches of victory. But her "responsible change" theme will always sound like an echo of Lingle's main theme.

So, one way or another, the "values" theme — however it ends up being expressed — will have to be heard.

We caught a whiff of that just last week when Hirono responded to a tough Lingle campaign ad.

"She's always putting our people down," Hirono said. "Our people"? The Hirono camp explained she was referring to the "people of Hawai'i" in general, but the message was there: Our people are as good as anyone else and where does she get off suggesting otherwise?

This approach makes sense, if the results of the latest Advertiser Hawai'i Poll, published today, are any indication.

Lingle leads Hirono in the poll, but not by all that much. Statistically, it is close to a dead heat. And politically, the results suggest Hirono is in a stronger position than Lingle.

Hirono shows particular strength among voters of Japanese ancestry, among union households and on the Neighbor Islands — precisely the voter groups that historically have "come home" to the Democrats on Election Day.

Lingle's greatest strength is among Caucasians and newcomers, the groups that traditionally talk the talk but are somewhat less likely to walk the walk to the voting booth on that fateful first Tuesday in November.

So count on more talk from Hirono that emphasizes the importance of loyalty and values. And count on Lingle to continue to point out that loyalty to those values has not always led to unparalleled success as a state.

Reach Jerry Burris through letters@honoluluadvertiser.com.