ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS ENDORSES LINDA LINGLE FOR U.S. SENATE

News Release from Lingle2012.com

HONOLULU - The national organization and local chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), one of the nation's largest construction trade organizations, today announced its endorsement of former Governor Linda Lingle for U.S. Senate in 2012.

"I am honored and humbled by the support ABC has extended to me, both through the local chapter and the national leadership," said Governor Linda Lingle. "Builders and contractors are at the heart of our economy, as the construction industry creates an important ripple effect which impacts economic growth in all sectors. Committed to spurring our national economy to a path toward prosperity, if elected U.S. Senator I will continue to promote policies which support and invigorate builders and contractors," Gov. Lingle continued.

"As Governor of Hawai'i, Linda Lingle consistently dedicated herself to creating jobs and contracting opportunities for the people of Hawai'i, and we are proud to endorse and support her campaign for the United States Senate," said Jonathan Young, President of ABC's Hawai'i Chapter. "In order to revive the economy and stimulate job growth for the men and women in the construction industry, we believe it is imperative to focus on implementing fair contracting opportunities, increasing access to capital, providing meaningful tax relief for small businesses, speeding up capital improvement and infrastructure projects, and increasing access to training programs. Linda Lingle worked to develop these opportunities as Governor, and we have no doubt that she will continue these efforts at the federal level in the U.S. Senate," Young added.

"As PAC Chairman for the local chapter of the ABC, I am excited that both our national and local ABC organizations have endorsed Linda Lingle for U.S. Senate. The construction industry is heavily reliant upon elected representatives that recognize the importance of a free market economy, combined with less government regulation. Linda Lingle has demonstrated her knowledge and ability to successfully manage these priorities while maintaining public benefit and always putting people first," said Chairman Paul Vierling.

As Governor (2002-2010), Linda Lingle worked closely with ABC and other trade organizations to strengthen the construction industry to create jobs for its membership while supporting small businesses. Among her top initiatives as the state's chief executive, Gov. Lingle focused on creating wider access to public contracts by reforming the government procurement process to ensure efficiency, transparency and fairness. Following the 2008 global economic downturn, Governor Lingle and her Administration focused on stimulating Hawai'i's economy and creating jobs through a $1.8 billion Capital Improvement Project (CIP) plan which sparked public infrastructure construction statewide.

ABC also based its endorsement of Governor Lingle on her accomplishments in providing tax relief to Hawai'i businesses and working families, implementing education and training programs to support the construction and building trades, and attracting federal funding.

About ABC

ABC represents more than 70% of all merit shop contractors in Hawai'i, with over 150 small businesses in the Hawai'i chapter membership. Nationally, the organization represents 25,000 member-owned contractor, supplier and service providers with individual membership topping more than 2 million construction professionals throughout the United States. ABC is dedicated to enhancing job opportunities for all construction professionals, regardless of affiliation, by providing its members with education and advancement opportunities and advocating for fair and transparent bidding.

For more information about Associated Builders and Contractors visit www.abchawaii.org.

Additional information on the Linda Lingle Senate campaign is available at www.lingle2012.com. Follow the campaign on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lingle2012, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/lingle2012, and on YouTube at www.YouTube.com/Lingle2012.

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