John Carroll, Linda Lingle's former opponent in the Hawaiian Republican Primary Election, kissed Hirono on the cheek and offered her a few kind words (Garcia). Carroll continued his endorsment of Hirono by publicly saying that "(Hirono is) the only option for Senate in my book right now"(qtd. in Garcia). Though these comments may have been sincere, Lingle's campaign could justify them being a bitter attempt to get even with Lingle after having been defeated by her in the primary election. Regardless of what Carroll's words are construed to mean, his actions initiated a quick backlash from the Lingle's campaign. Lingle's campaign spokesperson retaliated, stating that the endorsement Carrol made "[doesn't] mean a hill of beans"(qtd. Garcia).
On what grounds can the Lingle campaign be so dismissive of their fellow party member's opinion? The decline of partisanship in America is bears some of the responsibility (Berry et. al 226). As more voters and even more candidates are beginning to lose their fierce partisan loyalty, it becomes easier to disagree with the party that candidate belongs to (Berry et. al 226). Because of this shift in how candidates perceive themselves and their role in parties, political barriers that previously preventing this kind of criticism are being knocked down. Lingle 's mockery of Carrol is an example of how his weak Republican identification lead to the endorsement of an opponent and then his ridicule at the hands of a fellow Republican.
Weakening party identification is also a driving force in Hirono's second Republican endorsement, this one from Alaskan Congressman Don Young (Responds to Attack Ads). The advertisement highlights Hirono's past bi-partisan accomplishments, and her ability to work with Republicans and achieve results. Don Young fully endorses Hirono as the Senator Hawaii needs, although maybe not the one it deserves.
Don Young's endorsement will be difficult for Lingle's campaign to ignore. Young is a reputable and conservative Congressman his home state of Alaska, a Republican stronghold that has only conceded once to a Democrat presidential candidate (Alaska 270 to win). Young's status as a Republican politician will make dismissing his endorsement a difficult task for Lingle.
Young's cross-partisan endorsement is yet another example of the weakening of partisan alignment in America. Weaker partisan ties have lead to the current political social context in which Young is able to speak freely in favor of Hirono, without fearing retribution from his fellow Republicans. Yet this weakening in partisan alignment also gives more leeway for other Republicans, such as Lingle, to disassociate with Young if they do not agree with the ideas he is espousing. Such disassociation might be instrumental for Lingle if she wishes to recover from Hirono's very successful advertisement.
"Alaska 270 to Win." Alaska Presidential Election Voting History. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Nov. 2012.
<http://www.270towin.com/states/Alaska>.
Berry, Jeffrey, Kenneth M. Janda, Jerry Goldman, and Kevin W. Hula. The Challenge of Democracy.
Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2004. Print.
Garcia, Oskar. "Hirono Endorsed by Lingle's GOP Primary Opponent." Washington Examiner. N.p.,
24 Aug. 2012. Web. 4 Nov. 2012. <http://washingtonexaminer.com/hirono-endorsed-by-
lingles-gop-primary-opponent/article/feed/2027395>.
"Responds to Attack Ads." Mazie Hirono Videos : Firstpost Topic. N.p., 3 Nov. 2012. Web.
<http://www.firstpost.com/topic/person/mazie-hirono-barack-obama-responds-to-attack-
ads-video-CtSk3nwhdzY-62233-1.html>.
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