Republican Lingle wants the Senate seat that Democratic Akaka is vacating when he retires in 2012. She reached out to the senator, presumably to notify him of her intentions, Akaka’s office confirmed.

A spokesman for the Akaka said Lingle called his office at 11 a.m. in Washington, shortly before she confirmed her candidacy on the popular morning radio show “Perry and Price.”

“Senator Akaka was not available at that time,” the spokesman wrote in an email. “He attempted to call her back last night and left her a message. He tells me he plans to try again today.”

Sen. Daniel Inouye‘s office confirmed Lingle spoke with Inouye yesterday.

“She called at 12 p.m. EST and spoke with the Senator,” a spokesman for Inouye told DC808 in an email. “I was not on the line and I do not know what was said but I understand it was a courtesy call.”