Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle (R) raised nearly $1.8 million in the fourth quarter, her Senate campaign announced today.

The impressive sum is almost three times as much as Rep. Mazie Hirono, who was endorsed by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. Hirono previously announced raising $624,000 in the quarter. She had more than $1 million in cash on hand as of the end of the year. Former Rep. Ed Case (D) has not released his fourth-quarter total.

“It is clear that Linda Lingle’s history of working with diverse groups has resonated well with the people of Hawaii,” Lingle campaign manager Bob Lee said in a statement.

Lingle has $1.4 million in cash on hand, and her strong initial fundraising quarter should further speculation that the strongly Democratic state could be competitive even with President Barack Obama at the top of the ticket.

“Nobody thinks this campaign is going to be easy — especially considering our potential Republican opponent’s vast national fundraising network,” Hirono campaign manager Betsy Lin said in a recent statement.

Roll Call rates the race Leans Democratic.