Linda Lingle

Linda Lingle (born Linda Cutter on June 4, 1953) was sworn in for a second term as Governor of the state of Hawaii on December 4, 2006. Lingle holds a number of distinctions: first Republican elected governor of Hawaii since the departure of William F. Quinn in 1962, first county mayor elected governor of Hawaii, first female governor of Hawaii, first Jewish governor of Hawaii; and the first governor of Hawaii not to have any children. During the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York City, Lingle served as chairman of the convention during the absence of permanent chairman Dennis Hastert from the convention floor.

Prior to her gubernatorial administration, Lingle served as Maui County mayor, councilmember, and chaired the Hawaii Republican Party. On November 20, 2006, her approval rating stood at 71% with only 24% disapproval.