Ripon Forum


Vol. 41, No. 1

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A Note from the Chairman Emeritus

“The war on terror.” “It’s the economy stupid.” “Read my lips – no new taxes.”

An Answer for Roger Mudd

“Why do you want to be President?” This question stumped Ted Kennedy 28 years ago. With the 2008 campaign upon us, we ask prominent Republicans how it should be answered today.

The Year Ahead On Capitol Hill

The Chairman of the House Republican Conference talks about the legislative outlook for 2007 and what the GOP will be working to achieve.

Can a Lame Duck Soar?

If recent history is any guide, the last two years of the Bush Administration could be surprisingly productive.

What’s the Matter with Washington?

A political veteran now living and working in Kansas says something is missing in our national political debate – mainly, a sense of history.

Why Ideas Matter

The former Chairman of the RNC and current Chief Executive of Mississippi says policy, not politics, is the key to the GOP’s future.

Ideas and the Bottom Line

GE and Westinghouse were once competitors. Now, one is thriving, while the other has all but disappeared. Why? It has to do with ideas.

The Importance of Entrepreneurship to America

Small business owners are the engine of our economy.

Polling the Risk Takers

What entrepreneurs really want the government to do.

America’s New Immigrant Entrepreneurs

Increasingly, those starting new U.S. businesses are foreign-born.

Should U.S. Agriculture Subsidies be Eliminated?

No, America needs a safe, reliable, and abundant supply of food.

Should U.S. Agriculture Subsidies be Eliminated?

Yes, it’s fiscally smart and financially responsible.

Standing Up for the Underdogs

The Republican Party is looking for new ideas that will help them reclaim their Congressional Majority and hold onto the White House in 2008.

Ripon Profile of Linda Lingle

It is essential that we equip and significantly increase the number of secondary school graduates with world-class analytical and problem solving skills

Ripon Profile of Linda Lingle

Name: Linda Lingle

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

Current job: Governor, State of Hawai`i

Hobbies: Swimming 3,000 yards, four times per week and walking regularly, reading and watching movies.

Songs on my playlist: Primarily Hawaiian  music, including “Just Along for the Ride”, by Na Leo, a trio of local women. I also listen to rock n’ roll and country music.

Books that I’d recommend: I enjoy reading biographies – in particular, I would recommend: Japanese Eyes American Hearts: Personal Reflections of Hawai`i’s World War II Nisei Soldiers, by they Hawai`i Nikkei History Editorial Board; Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, by Doris Kearns Goodwin; and The World is Flat, by Thomas Friedman.

Inspiration: My grandmother has a profound influence on my life. I greatly admired her wisdom and love for seeing the “good in people.”

After graduating from California State University – Northrige with a degree in Journalism, I moved to Hawai`i, where I had the opportunity to cover the political landscape and become involved in my community. i saw the difference one person could make in the lives of others, and was drawn to public service.

Most important issues facing America: It is essential that we equip and significantly increase the number of secondary school graduates with world-class analytical and problem solving skills developed through science, technology, engineering and math education. In Hawai`i, my Administration is proposing specialized math and science programs for junior high and high school students designed to prepare Hawai`i’s youth to succeed in an increasingly global economy. We will also incorporate business internships in our education system to expose our student to a variety of career choices.

Along the same lines, my Administration is proposing several initiatives to help Hawai`i’s existing workforce quickly acquire the skills needed for gainful employment in emerging, innovative industries. Through these proposals, we hop to cultivate a quality 21st century workforce.