Hirono defeats Lingle in US Senate race in Hawaii

Hirono defeats Lingle in US Senate race in Hawaii
HONOLULU (AP) — U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono has defeated former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle to become Hawaii's next U.S. senator, prevailing in a race many believed key to shifting power dynamics in Congress.

Hirono ran on a platform of stopping Lingle as a representative of national Republican interests. At every turn in the race, Hirono linked her opponent with well-known GOP names including Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan and George Bush.

Hirono held court for Democrats in a state known to support the party. President Barack Obama topped the ticket for Democrats in his birth state in his bid for re-election.