Gov. Linda Lingle has been on a Mainland fundraising binge this year — eight times so far, five since early November.

It would seem she just can't get enough of the Mainland stuff.

But in January, a new state law (written by Democrats with Lingle their prime target) cuts off the Mainland supply to a maximum of 20 percent of reported contributions.

It's clear, Lingle is trying to get what she can while the getting is good.

As the Advertiser's Derrick DePledge reported, Lingle was the toast of the GOP last week. Gov. George Pataki hosted a luncheon for her in New York. Former Pennsylvania governor and homeland security chief Tom Ridge feted her in Philadelphia.

It's all legal.

And indeed, some of the Mainland contributors may have investment or real estate interests here.

But a last-minute binge before the cutoff date isn't exactly taking the "high road."

To be fair, Democratic politicians seek Mainland funds all the time. None, however, have been as good at it as Lingle, whose connection to the GOP funding network helped her raise and spend $5.4 million three years ago.

It's the biggest reason the state Legislature passed the new law. If Democrats were equally successful out-of-state, one wonders if the law ever would have seen the light of day.

Sure, the notion that people who don't live here shouldn't influence elections with their money sounds good.

But we all know the Legislature was less interested in that and more interested in targeting the governor's talent as a money magnet.

Still, Lingle could lead by example and show she's in sync with the ideals of the impending law — that the bankroller and the voter should be one and the same.

Instead of flying to the Mainland with her tin cup, Lingle would do more for the long-term health of her party she is trying to build by staying in Hawai'i and developing home-grown sources.