Hawaii's gubernatorial candidates traded barbs over the state's economy, the war in Iraq and their ties to President Bush in their only debate before the Nov. 7 election.
Democrat Randy Iwase said Friday night that Hawaii residents "are being priced out of paradise" by the high cost of living, but Republican Gov. Linda Lingle pointed out that the state's economy is booming and it has the lowest unemployment rate in the nation.
Lingle, who is favored to win re-election, touted her work to address homelessness, the state's budget surplus and tough crime laws that have passed since she became governor in 2002. She attacked Iwase for his votes to raise taxes when he was a state legislator.
"When he had the opportunity, he made it harder for the working poor in our state," Lingle said.
Iwase targeted Lingle's alliance with Bush and her $6 million war chest used for slick campaign advertisements. Iwase said he has raised $250,000.
"Hawaii should not go to the highest bidder," he said.
The debate was televised live throughout the state and was sponsored by the Society of Professional Journalists.
Lingle said Iwase doesn't have the executive experience needed to run Hawaii.
She noted the state's $736 million budget surplus, saying there is money to fund better education, tackle homelessness and improve environmental protection.
The candidates sparred over the war in Iraq, with Iwase trying to pin Lingle down on whether she would ask Bush to bring Hawaii's troops home.
"Are you ready to admit that you and President Bush were wrong? Will you pick up the phone and call your friend President Bush?" Iwase asked.
Lingle traveled with Bush to Iraq and helped campaign for his 2004 re-election. Bush lost Hawaii despite her efforts.
Lingle said she opposes setting a timetable for troop withdrawal.
"To come up with an artificial timetable would undercut everything they're doing and would put them at risk," she said.
Iwase blamed Bush for the defeat of a bill by Sen. Daniel Akaka (news, bio, voting record), D-Hawaii, that would have granted federal recognition to Native Hawaiians.
"The governor has talked long and long and long about her friendship with George Bush, and despite this friendship ... it failed," he said.
Lingle responded: "Well, I wish the president would agree with me on every issue. This is one place that we diverge."
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On the Net:
Randy Iwase for Governor - News Lingle Aiona Official Campaign Website
10-07-2006, 07:45 AM
