Lingle to end trip with speech to Republicans

By Gordon Y. K. Pang
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

Gov. Linda Lingle will culminate an unofficial, weeklong trip to the Mainland with a keynote speech to the Western States Republican Leadership Conference in Portland today.

The governor will speak to GOP lawmakers from 13 Western states and two territories about her handling of the state budget this past legislative session, as well as other issues, Lingle spokesman Russell Pang said

Accompanying her on the trip is Lenny Klompus, her senior communications adviser, and his wife, Marcia, who also works in the governor's office.

The governor, who left Honolulu Sunday, visited each of her parents in the Los Angeles area earlier in the week.

Lingle is also taking the time to raise campaign money, said campaign director Miriam Hellreich, who is also traveling with her.

About 70 people attended a fund-raiser in Los Angeles that raised about $225,000, Hellreich said. The event was hosted by Castle & Cooke chairman David Murdock.

Yesterday, in Silicon Valley's Menlo Park, separate breakfast and lunch fund-raisers were held with those who are investing or have invested in Hawai'i. Those two events raised about $75,000 for the campaign.

Tonight, Portland Republicans will host a small fund-raiser at a private residence that is expected to bring up to 50 guests and generate $25,000 for the Lingle campaign, Hellreich said.

Lingle is returning to the state tomorrow night.

It is her second trip away from the state since becoming governor in December.

She traveled to Washington, D.C., in February to lobby for the Akaka bill and meet with congressional lawmakers and other dignitaries.

Lingle is expected to travel to Japan on official business in the early part of July for a tourism promotional tour.