We first reported in DC808 that Rep. Mazie Hirono missed a high-profile vote on extending student loan interest rates. Her campaign explained her absence saying the “last-minute scheduling of the vote conflicted with a previous commitment,” and that “unfortunately, it’s a fact of running for office that conflicts will sometimes arise.”

That drew Linda Lingle into the foray. 

Capitol Watch reports:

With all the national talk of student loans, Bob Lee, campaign manager for Linda Lingle, fired off a missive Wednesday (May 2) directed at Mazie Hirono.

Excerpts:

So the question is: where was Mazie Hirono when a vote was held on the Stafford proposal? Her campaign reported she was busy on the campaign trail. And unashamed about it!

In a statement to a local reporter, Hirono’s spokesperson said that her campaign travel itinerary took precedence over her duty as a Congresswoman to vote on behalf of the people of Hawaii. I don’t begrudge her opinion that the proposal did not fit with her personal beliefs, but I do find it objectionable that she isn’t upholding her sworn duty to discuss and vote on a bill of such importance. Campaigning over fulfilling her obligations and duties? This is not leadership. 

Hirono hasn’t even won the Democratic primary, but her putative Senate opponent in the general is keeping up the attack.