Hotline On Call

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle released a statement Wednesday making an argument you won't hear from many GOP Senate candidates this cycle: Elect me, and I'll be the next Olympia Snowe!

Lingle, who is running for retiring Sen. Daniel Akaka's (D) seat, heaped praise on Snowe and indicated that, like Snowe, she would seek compromise with Democrats in the Senate.

"The American people deserve elected leaders, like Olympia Snowe, who are dedicated to finding a common purpose to build a stronger future for our country," Lingle said in the release. "If elected to the U.S. Senate, I will be committed to finding common ground with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and, most importantly, will always put the people of Hawaii first in everything I do."

While Lingle's promise to serve as a moderate voice is rare among Republicans running for Congress, it makes sense given her specific state. Seeking to become the first Republican elected to the Senate from Hawaii since 1970, Lingle needs to appeal to independents and moderate Democrats, while making the argument that Rep. Mazie Hirono, the likely Democratic nominee, is to the left of the mainstream, even in Hawaii.