The two have sparred over the state’s fiscal health and their respective contributions to it. 

How Abercrombie fares as governor has implications for next year’s elections. In her run for Senate, Lingle will have to argue that she made decisions that were good for Hawaii’s financial complexion. Abercrombie argues otherwise. (Read the full story.)

Abercrombie has had a rough first year at the helm of state government, which could serve to help Lingle.

If the governor’s road stays rocky, it could also help congressional candidate Mufi Hannemann. He lost to Abercrombie in a Democratic primary for governor last year, and could be served by voters developing a sense of buyer’s remorse about Abercrombie.