The New York Times published a lengthy piece about the race for U.S. Senate in Hawaii, and what former Gov. Linda Lingle‘s candidacy means for the future of Hawaii’s Democratic party. 

Lingle, a high-profile Republican, has garnered national attention since she confirmed in October that she is running to replace Democratic Sen. Daniel Akaka. He is not seeking re-election. 

The newspaper points out that while Lingle is an “experienced campaigner with access to huge sums of money,” she will have to distance herself from past criticisms of President Barack Obama (Lingle supported Sen. John McCain and Sarah Palin in the 2008 presidential election). 

New York Times reporter Adam Nagourney said that in an interview with Lingle, she ”took pains not to criticize Mr. Obama.”

Democrats have already repeatedly reminded voters that Lingle backed McCain-Palin in 2008, including distributing video in which Lingle describes Palin as an “outstanding choice” for vice president.

The former governor had a blunt reaction to the criticism she’s received thus far.

“Every time politicians try to demonize me or someone else, it just shows they have no ideas of their own,” Lingle reportedly told Nagourney.