Even with a pair of Republican presidential primaries on Tuesday, the biggest political news of the day was arguably Republican Maine Sen. Olympia Snowe‘s announcement that she will not seek re-election. 

The news is a blow to Republicans who are trying to regain control of the U.S. Senate. Snowe’s retirement may also mean that GOP leaders will turn their focus to former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle‘s campaign for U.S. Senate. Lingle has already attracted national attention for her candidacy. 

Lingle released a statement about Snowe’s retirement on Wednesday, highlighting comments from the senator about the intense partisanship in Washington as a factor in her decision to retire. 

“Her comments on the atmosphere in Washington are sadly true and with the challenges America faces today, we can no longer afford political gamesmanship and partisan gridlock,” Lingle said. “The American people deserve elected leaders, like Olympia Snowe, who are dedicated to finding a common purpose to build a stronger future for our country.”

Lingle said that bipartisanship and the people of Hawaii would be her priorities if elected. As the National Journal puts it, Lingle may be trying to tell voters that if they elect her, she’ll be the “next Olympia Snowe.”