2006 Governors Races

Hawaii CBS NEWS PROJECTS LINDA LINGLEWINNER Democrat Randy Iwase vs. Republican Linda Lingle (Incumbent) Even though this state has traditionally voted solidly Democratic, Lingle was favored. She remains popular and is the first Republican to serve as the state’s governor since the first elections took place in Hawaii in 1959. She succeeded during a time when many Democrats in the state were accused of incompetence and corruption. Lingle first ran for governor in 1998 and lost to Democrat incumbent Ben Cayetano. Despite her popularity, Republicans haven’t made any further political gains in Hawaii so far. Iwase faced a tough test in November against Lingle. The state Campaign Spending Commission reported Lingle had collected $5.78 million in contributions, while Iwase had raised $175,555. In response, Iwase had commented his would be "a people campaign rather than a money campaign."