Hawaii GOP Lawmaker May Switch Parties

[PoiBoy]

http://www.civilbeat.org/2017/02/hawaii-gop-lawmaker-may-switch-parties/


State Rep. Beth Fukumoto sent a letter to constituents Wednesday stating, “This week, Republicans in the state Legislature and in party leadership sought to censure me for raising concerns about the treatment of women and minorities by politicians in power. They have also insisted that I stop working across the aisle and focus more on partisan politics. For these reasons, I am considering leaving the Republican Party and pursuing membership in the Democratic Party.”

It is my belief that I can no longer remain a member of a party that punishes dissent. Furthermore, I believe that it is my job as your representative to work with everyone, regardless of party, to accomplish things for Mililani. I have always said that we should work to find common ground, even when we disagree, but powerful voices in the Republican Party continue to fight against compromise.


She also released a statement Wednesday morning that read in part:

In the last couple years, I’ve watched leaders in the Republican Party become less and less tolerant of diverse opinions and dissenting voices. I am under constant scrutiny for working across the aisle to pass common sense legislation that will benefit my district and the people of Hawaii.

Today, I’m facing demands for my resignation from leadership and possible censure because I raised concerns about our President’s treatment of women and minorities. I’ve been asked by both my party and my caucus to commit to not criticizing the President for the remainder of his term and to take a more partisan approach to working in the Legislature.

That is not a commitment I can make. As a representative of my community, it is my job to hold leaders accountable and to work with anyone, regardless of party, to make Hawaii a better place for our families.


Not in my District so I don't really know much about Rep. Fukumoto...