The most lively political skirmishes this session may come over Gov. Linda Lingle's Cabinet and judicial nominees, who must get through confirmation hearings in the state Senate.

The Lingle administration avoided one clash when Nelson Befitel left as director of the state Department of Labor and Industrial relations rather than face almost certain Senate rejection.

Senate Democrats and administration officials say Peter Young, the director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, and Lillian Koller, the director of the state Department of Human Services, could be endangered.

Ted Liu, the director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, also could face a bruising hearing.

Young said he has been meeting with senators and that some of his supporters also have been contacting senators on his behalf. "I'm encouraged by our discussions," he said.

State Sen. Russell Kokubun, D-2nd (S. Hilo, Puna, Ka'u), the chairman of the Senate Water, Land, Agriculture and Hawaiian Affairs Committee, said that if it becomes apparent that Young does not have the votes, he would inform the administration before any hearings. "A lot of questions are being raised about Peter," he said. "We just need to let this thing air out."

State Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland, D-13th (Kalihi, Nu'uanu), the chairwoman of the Senate Human Services and Public Housing Committee, said she has heard from Koller enthusiasts but also from her detractors, including people who have made derogatory comments about her management style and her treatment of staff.

Koller has had disagreements with lawmakers over how to spend federal welfare money and how to promote competition among providers in the state health-insurance program for the poor.

Some people who have worked with Koller say she can be abrasive and exasperating, but that Koller has been successful at getting more federal money for the department and has expanded healthcare access for the poor. Her results, and her own tenacity, make her formidable.

Senate Democrats have a constitutional advise-and-consent role in Lingle's nominations but they also have to temper their approach to confirmation hearings because of the risk of being perceived as acting with political motives.

Along with Cabinet nominations, Senate Democrats will carefully scrutinize any judicial appointments to limit Lingle's ability to influence the philosophical direction of the courts in her second term. Because of age limitations, several key judicial posts will open up this year.

"I hope that the Senate is mature and wise enough to judge the Lingle Cabinet on its deeds, not partisan politics and vendettas," said state Senate Minority Leader Fred Hemmings, R-25th (Kailua, Waimanalo, Hawai'i Kai).

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com.