Rep. Mazie Hirono‘s Senate campaign finance chair issued a statement in response to former Gov. Linda Lingle‘s fourth-quarter fundraising numbers, which Lingle released earlier today.

Lingle raised nearly $1.8 million in less than three months, according to her campaign, far surpassing Hirono’s fundraising despite record-high donations to Hirono last quarter.

“It’s not at all surprising that Republican Linda Lingle, who introduced Sarah Palin to the world and campaigned hard against Barack Obama, has raised a lot of money from fellow Republicans who are counting on her to support their agenda,” wrote Hirono campaign Finance Chair Jadine Nielsen in a statement. 

This isn’t the first time that the Hirono camp has reminded voters of Lingle’s support for McCain and Palin in 2008, and it certainly won’t be the last. 

“They know what they’re getting by donating to her, and we have no doubt that Lingle will continue to do everything she can to stop President Obama’s agenda of creating jobs, protecting our air and water, and improving our kids’ education,” Nielsen wrote.