WASHINGTON — Hawai'i Gov. Linda Lingle said today she supported her fellow governor — Sarah Palin of Alaska — as John McCain's vice presidential running mate.

"I am excited to support their historical team for president and vice president to lead our nation," said Lingle, who was with Palin at an April governors' meeting in Dallas where the Alaskan governor went into labor with her fifth child, Trig.

Lingle said she has worked with Palin since she took office two years ago and was impressed with her knowledge and leadership on issues, such as energy independence and anti-corruption efforts in her state.

"Gov. Palin represents the true American spirit, as a wife, 'hockey mom' of five, a skilled hunter and an accomplished snowmobile racer," Lingle said. "While she may be fresh face on the national political scene, she is known by her fellow governors as a powerful leader in her home state."