THIELEN RESPONDS TO TODAY'S CRITICISM OF COALITION

News Release from House Republican Caucus

HONOLULU – Representative Cynthia Thielen responded to continued criticism of Speaker-elect Joe Souki’s reorganization plans and the bipartisan coalition he formed.

“It is unfortunate and highly ironic that members of Calvin Say's faction continue to criticize Speaker Joe Souki’s attempts to organize with the Republican House members. Two years ago, two of Speaker Calvin Say’s emissaries directly negotiated with Rep. Ward and me to ensure the support of the Republican caucus. Those negotiations included specific terms of a deal for our support of Calvin Say in the House organization,” said Representative Thielen.

Despite the protests of certain members of the House, Representative Thielen noted a previous time when the Democratic majority has formed a defacto coalition with Republicans to organize the House.

“This isn’t the first time that a Democratic majority faction has organized with the Republicans; some people are just more honest and transparent about it. It is time to govern and stop politicking.”

Two years ago, when the House of Representatives was stalemated in its leadership battle, two of Speaker Say’s close confidantes, including Representative Oshiro, engaged in a round of negotiations that included specific terms of a deal for Republicans in the House. As a result, all eight members of the Republican caucus delivered their signatures to these Representatives to ensure that Speaker Calvin Say had more than the twenty-six votes necessary to retain his speakership.

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Oshiro to lead Say Faction--Challenge to Dissidents

AP: House Speaker Calvin Say said Thursday he plans to step down from his leadership post on the first day of Hawaii's new legislative session and is endorsing House Finance Committee Chairman Marcus Oshiro to succeed him.

Oshiro, who accompanied Say to the news conference, said the 21 Democrats who supported Say will back him.

The 53-year-old plans to work on winning support of Democrats currently backing Souki. Oshiro believes some of them are concerned about forming a coalition with Republicans.

"I think it sets a terrible precedent. I think they're all fearful of what it means in practical terms of how they can pass legislation that serves the interest of the state of Hawaii," Oshiro said.

Hawaii state House Finance Committee Chairman Marcus Oshiro, left, speaks at a news conference with House Speaker Calvin Say at the state Capitol in Honolulu on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012. Say said he plans to step down from his leadership post on the first day of Hawaii's new legislative session and is endorsing Oshiro to succeed him.

Oshiro, D-Wahiawa, said he's opposed to legalizing any form of gambling and raising the general excise tax, unlike Souki….

Republican Rep. Cynthia Thielen countered that Say's close confidants — including Oshiro — negotiated with Republicans two years ago to win their support for his re-election as speaker.

"This isn't the first time that a Democratic majority faction has organized with the Republicans; some people are just more honest and transparent about it. It is time to govern and stop politicking," Thielen said in a statement emailed to media.

CB:  Say No More: Hawaii House Speaker Steps Down

read … No Say