HI-Sen: Inouye Leads Lingle by 11 Points

Research 2000 for the Great Orange Satan:

Dan Inouye (D): 53

Linda Lingle (R): 42

(MoE: ±4%)

Make no mistake, in many ways, this poll represents something of a high water mark for Hawaii Republicans. They have literally no one else on their bench who could possibly give Inouye a scare, and even with popular outgoing GOP Governor Linda Lingle on the ballot, Inouye still starts off with a clear lead. Perhaps a strong campaign combined with some “senior moments” by Inouye could make this one a tight race, but does Lingle really have it in her to pull the trigger and run against one of the most popular politicians in Hawaii?

53 thoughts on “HI-Sen: Inouye Leads Lingle by 11 Points”

  1. Then they’re screwed. End of story. Does Lingle really want her political career nuked once HI Dems (including Obama) are done with her?

  4. is safe.

    No way he loses barring scandal even if Lingle runs which is extremely unlikely. So who does this leave? Maybe Lincon in Ark although I think her losing is about as unlikely. Maybe CO if we appoint someone stupid. I doubt it so. I don’t think we’ll lose another seat again.

  5. As was talked about on here, perhaps if one of the state’s Representives goes to make a run for Governor Lingle could run for an open House seat. I image that would be more easy to run for than against a long term incumbent. Does anyone know what district she lives in?

  6. Lingle will never directly challenge Inouye.  I seriously doubt she’d even run against Akaka in 2012.  She knows she can’t beat them.  The narrow coalition of disaffected Democrats, independents, and the few Republicans Hawaii has that put her in office in 2002 will not be there to beat an incumbent Senator.  She knows this, and she will not run.  My only worry is that Akaka will probably retire in 2012, letting her run for an open seat.  But even in that scenario, with Obama on the ballot running for re-election and the ensuing turnout, I’d imagine we’d be heavily favored to retain the seat.  So much so that I doubt Lingle would even run, knowing that.

    Frankly, I’d be surprised if Lingle ever runs for anything again.  Her approval rating has come down significantly since the days when she was one of the most popular governors in the country.

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