Hawaii: Slom crafts strategy as Senate's sole Republican

[dkf]

As the only Republican survivor in Hawaii's Senate, Sam Slom worries that majority Democrats could ram their proposals into law, sink his legislation or stifle his enthusiastic speeches.

While most of the country experienced a Republican tidal wave on Election Day, Slom is the last GOP stalwart in the Hawaii Senate. There were two Republicans, but Sen. Fred Hemmings didn't seek re-election and a Democrat took his place.

Republicans grew in the 51-member state House, from six to eight, but still left the state with the most one-sided legislature in the country.

"It's going to be long days and long nights," said Slom, who represents Diamond Head and Hawaii Kai. "I'm up for the task. Nobody twisted my arm."

The solitude of being outnumbered 24-1 comes with a few practical realities and difficulties.

Slom is now the party's minority leader, floor leader and policy leader. He's a member of all 15 Senate committees, with no way to attend them all.

When he makes a motion on the Senate floor, he'll have to rely on a Democrat to second it before he can move forward.

"I could make a motion with the right hand and second it with the left hand," Slom said.

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Hawaii rocks!

[opihimoimoi]

1. GOP Gov Linda Lingle leaves a dismal legacy of 8 years and no beef

Such was her disaster that her Lt Gov Duke Aiona suffered a landslide defeat running for the Govenors eat...a 19 point loss..

Hawaii is a BLUE STATE and her roots are re energized

Hawaii knows a bad deal when it sees one....result: GOP Famine....

[Tunkamerica]

2. Sam Slom? I could not have invented a better Republicant name

[ellisonz]

3. I'm optimistic about our state government.

Not so much about Honolulu City and County or Mainland though...x(