Linda Lingle may enjoy the broad and hopeful support of the Republican Party in her bid to fill an open Senate seat in Hawaii, but she can count out Representative Don Young of Alaska, a Republican who is not only supporting Ms. Lingle’s Democratic opponent, Representative Mazie K. Hirono, but went out of his way to make an ad with his House colleague.
After discussing his work with Ms. Hirono on an amendment that helped save funding for schools for native populations in their respective states, Mr. Young says: “Here’s what’s important, Hawaii: If you’re looking for a United States senator who doesn’t just talk about ‘bipartisanship,’ but actually knows how to work with both Republicans and Democrats to get things done, Mazie Hirono will be that senator.”
The often-irascible Mr. Young then tries to make unkind remarks about Representative Nancy Pelosi of California, the Democratic leader and former speaker, while Ms. Hirono gives him a playful nudge.
Lawmakers from Hawaii and Alaska often bond over the far-flung and federally dependent nature of their states in a way that defies party loyalty. But endorsing a Democrat against a Republican challenger in a Senate race that could potentially help Republicans vault to a majority in the Senate, and to do it in such a public and aggressive manner, is unusual to say the least.
“Having worked together on several issues important to both Alaska and Hawaii,” said Luke Miller, a spokesman for Mr. Young, “Congressman Young and Congresswoman Hirono have developed a close personal friendship and working relationship. Congressman Young respects Congresswoman Hirono’s ability to work across party lines and do what’s best for the people of Hawaii.”
Mr. Young should not expect to hear “mahalo” from his fellow Republicans.
