WASHINGTON — Gov. Linda Lingle will speak on the second night of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., when the theme will be reform and transparency in government.

The Republican governor is scheduled for a 15-minute slot Sept. 2 at 3:30 p.m. Hawai'i time. That night features three former GOP presidential candidates: former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani, and former U.S. senator Fred Thompson of Tennessee.

"I am honored to be joining a cross-section of national Republican leaders to address the 39th annual GOP convention," Lingle said in a statement yesterday. "These former and current governors, senators, mayors and leaders of national agencies represent the diversity and strength of our party and the unity of our nation.

"By unifying our voice and sharing our perspectives with the party delegates, we are helping to showcase the critical leadership of our next president on issues important to our nation, such as energy independence and education reform, economic transformation, environmental issues and national security."

Lingle said she plans to campaign for John McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, on the Mainland in the coming weeks. She described the Arizona senator's strengths as his experience and record of working toward bipartisan policy solutions.

"He does things that other people talk about," she said in an interview Tuesday with local reporters about the convention. "So, for instance, you'll hear people talk about 'I'm bipartisan. I can reach out. I can bring people together.' You hear that kind of talk. But it's usually talk."

Lingle said McCain has worked with Democrats on issues such as immigration, climate change and campaign finance reform.

"He just does it over and over because it's a part of his nature. And I admire him because he did it even though some within his own party were criticizing him," she said. "And I have had that experience, so I know it's not an easy or a fun thing to do."

Lingle said she would not consider a post in a McCain administration if one were offered, and vowed to serve the remaining two years of her second term.

She will be among 10 current and former Republican governors to speak at the convention. Their remarks will underscore themes for each of the convention's four days: service, reform, prosperity and peace.

"Our convention will showcase a cross-section of leaders who will highlight John McCain's long commitment to putting our country first — before self-interest or politics," said Jill Hazelbaker, McCain's director of communications.

Maria Cino, the convention president and CEO, said: "Their remarks will be a testament to Sen. McCain's unparalleled record of service and sacrifice for America and his readiness to lead as commander in chief and move America forward."

Other speakers on the second night include former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, and former U.S. Treasurer Rosario Marin.