Political Future? Djou Speaks, Lingle on Tap 

by Andrew Walden

Linda Lingle will keynote the Hawaii Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner April 16 at Ko’olau Ballroom in Kaneohe.  Hawaii GOP National Committeewoman Miriam Hellreich today told a meeting of Oahu Republicans to expect an upbeat and uplifting speech from Lingle in which she will talk about her future political plans. 

Hellreich spoke to about 100 gathered for the Honolulu County GOP Convention at Moanalua Middle School in Aiea.  Also on the platform, former US Rep Charles Djou.  Pointing to a once in a generation opportunity, Djou described 2014 as a campaign season in which he expects to see “an open seat in CD1, an untested incumbent in CD2, a Senate appointee with low name recognition, and the least popular governor in the nation” competing on the Democratic side.  Djou described his former opponent, Rep Colleen Hanabusa, as “putting her finger in the wind to decide between running for Senator or Governor.” 

Asked about his own political plans, Djou demurred for now. 

Delegates elected Fritz Rohlfing Honolulu County GOP Chair, Mike Greco Vice-Chair, Marcia Tagavilla Secretary, Nancy Monahan East Honolulu Vice-Chair, and Robert Camilleri Central Oahu Vice-Chair.

---30---  

UPDATE: March 22, 2013  (The following message has been sent to GOP supporters)

A Special Message from Linda Lingle

March 22, 2013

Dear … ​, 

I am writing to let you know that I will be speaking at the Lincoln Day Dinner on Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at the Ko'olau Ballroom, Ko'olau Golf Course, in Kaneohe.  This will be my first speech since last year's election and I wanted to be sure you knew about it and had a chance to attend.

Despite the many obvious challenges we face as a state and nation, I remain hopeful about the future because of the emergence of new, young and dynamic leadership at the Hawai'i Republican party and in the State Legislature. I plan to use this speaking opportunity to encourage them and ourselves to continue working toward a better future for our great state.

If you are interested in attending the Lincoln Day Dinner, please fill out the attached response form or contact Nacia Blom at nacia@gophawaii.com or 808-346-8760.

Aloha,

Linda Lingle