Governor of Hawaii Linda Lingle and Her Judaic Roots

April 21, 2003

Source: The Associated Press

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&cid=514&e=20&u=/ap/20030421

On April 21, 2003 The Associated Press reported that Linda "Lingle's victory in the governor's race last November made her a pioneer in many ways. She is the first Republican to govern Hawaii in 40 years, the first woman ever. And she's the first Jew to lead the islands, one of only two Jewish U.S. governors and only the second Jewish woman chief executive of a state... Lingle is hesitant to label herself the 'Jewish governor' but she fast admits how much her faith defines her. Judaism is a facet of Lingle's identity that shapes her leadership perhaps more than being a woman or a Republican."