Former Hawaii Gov Linda Lingle Settles Into New Role

Lingle works for Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner as his chief operating officer, helping make sure state agencies run smoothly.

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Linda Lingle says she’s not giving political advice to her new boss Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, even though he considers her a “superstar.”

The former Hawaii governor, who spent eight years at the helm of the Aloha State, is now earning $198,000 as Rauner’s chief operating officer.

But in a recent interview she insists she’s only helping with the day-to-day operations of the state.

NPR Illinois reporter Amanda Vinicky caught up with Lingle during the Illinois State Fair as part of on ongoing feature that takes a look at political insiders working in the Land of Lincoln.

You can check out the piece here. Vinicky talked with Lingle during a parade, and had her interview cut short by Rauner’s handlers after only a few minutes.

Much of the focus is on Illinois’ budget challenges.

Linda Lingle Horizontal Mug

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle is now working in Illinois alongside Gov. Bruce Rauner.

Courtesy of the Lingle campaign

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