Cynthia Thielen
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Cynthia Thielen is a Republican member of the Hawaii House of Representatives and was the Republican nominee for United States Senate in 2006, challenging incumbent Democrat Daniel Akaka. She lost to Akaka, 62% to 35%, in the general election.
Thielen was born in Honolulu and attended the University of Hawaii, graduating with a degree in law. She is a founding member of the Law Review.
Thielen has served as State Representative since 1990, and served as Minority floor leader from 1992 to 1997. She has served as assistant minority floor leader since 1999. She had a record of passing over 34 measures in the past four years in her State Representative seat.
Thielen's campaign against Akaka mainly consisted of energy policy: Thielen is for renewable energy, while Akaka voted to allow drilling in Alaska. Akaka also refused to debate against Thielen, claiming that there was no need to debate with someone who has been appointed. However, while Thielen was indeed appointed to run against Akaka after Jerry Coffee fell out of the race due to health, she still ran. Akaka got his senate seat by a direct appointment, and, unlike Thielen, did not have to run against anyone.
Like Akaka, Thielen has been an advocate for Native Hawaiian rights, and helped to stop the military test bombing on Koho'olawe.[citation needed]