HONOLULU — If John McCain was looking for a Republican woman governor and former small-town mayor from an isolated state to become his surprise running mate, he had more than one choice.

Why not Hawai'i Gov. Linda Lingle?

Like Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, Lingle is her state's first female governor who upset established politicians in her rise from Maui mayor to the state's highest office. Lingle also claims statewide popularity after she won every county in elections two years ago.

"The similarities were striking," said Jerry Coffee, Hawai'i chairman for the McCain campaign. "People in Hawai'i can appreciate how efficient and effective a woman can be as a governor, or even for higher office. ... I wouldn't be surprised if Senator McCain consulted with Governor Lingle in the process of making his decision."

Lingle brushed off questions Friday on whether she was considered in the running for the Republican vice presidential spot.

"I let it be known very early on that I had no desire or willingness to run for vice president," Lingle said in her office Friday. "It's a great honor to even be talked about in those terms, but my commitment is to the people of Hawai'i."

Lingle said Palin's experience as a governor gives her executive decision-making skills that neither Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama nor vice presidential nominee Joe Biden have.

"Neither Obama nor Biden has ever run anything. They've never been a mayor, they've never been a governor, they've never run anything. They've only been on the legislative side," Lingle said. "All governors feel it's important to have someone with executive-side experience, and she has."

She did not mention that McCain also has no experience running a government.

Lingle has been in office three times as long as Palin. Lingle is in her second term after being elected in 2002, while Palin has served less than two years.

Lingle has a stronger environmental record with efforts to develop renewable energy and preserve land compared to Palin's drive to drill in Alaska's protected Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

"Obviously McCain is trying to get the female vote. He's trying to get some of the people who were alienated by Obama not choosing (Hillary) Clinton," said Rick Castberg, a political science professor at the University of Hawai'i-Hilo. "But then there are a lot of strong women Republican leaders to choose from. Youth may be an issue."

Palin is 44, while Lingle is 55. Palin also can claim more family values experience because of her marriage, five children and opposition to abortion. Lingle has divorced twice, has no children and supports abortion rights.

Hawai'i Republican lawmakers praised the choice of Palin.

"Coming from lower-population states, Alaska and Hawai'i are often coupled together in regard to being a little distanced from national politics," said state Rep. Lynn Finnegan, R-32nd (Lower Pearlridge, 'Aiea, Halawa). "I would have loved to see the governor on that ticket. Gov. Lingle loves the state so much, and that's one of the reasons keeping her here."