I wanted to break from all the presidential discussions and talk about Hawaii. Hawaii is a state that really seems to get passed over when talking about U.S. politics. I guess not a whole lot really happens over there in the world of politics to interest everyone, but despite its extreme Democrat tilt among the residents the state does have a Republican governor.

Linda Lingle won her second term in 2006 with the largest margin in state history, 63% to 35%. Shortly after her reelection her approval rating stood at 71%. She has been a popular political figure in the state. The two U.S. Senators in Hawaii are both 83 years old and Daniel Inouye is up for reelection in 2010. He will be 86 by that time and will have served in the Senate for 47 years. I have a strong suspicion that he will retire. He is no Robert Byrd.

The GOP has only ever had one Republican Senator from Hawaii and that was Hiram Fong who served from statehood until 1977. Lingle would be the best shot we have ever had since at getting a Senate pick up in Hawaii and her gubernatorial term ends in 2010, coinciding nicely. I think her odds of victory would be very good.

Lingle is a moderate, no doubt about it and that is not at all surprising being that we are talking about Hawaii, but it would be nice to steal a blue Senate seat away from the Democrats considering they have so many of ours.