The state House has been led by just two individuals — Rep. Joe Souki and Rep. Calvin Say — for 21 of the state Legislature’s 54-year history.
Souki had the post from 1992 until 1998 and then again starting this year. In 1999, Say had replaced Souki, who earlier this year returned the favor.
During the 2013 session, Souki solidified his control of the House Democrats. In an interview this week, Souki said he now has the support of 30 out of the 44 House Democrats. At the same time, he plans to keep together the coalition with the seven House Republicans that initially gave him the majority vote over Say.
"I think the big battle is over," said Souki.
And the Republicans are also in the mix for next year, at least.
"We made it very clear we will not change, even though we have more Democrats," Souki promised.
Despite the obvious factions within the House, Souki kept a somewhat relaxed hand on the House gavel.
The fourth floor of the state Capitol holds the offices of Souki, Say, GOP leader Aaron Ling Johanson and Democrat leader Scott Saiki. Toss in the third-floor office of Finance Committee chairwoman, Rep. Sylvia Luke, and you basically have a map of the entire state House power structure.
There may be smaller factions, but questions about the Souki structure have largely been resolved.
"It is first time I can remember (that) the budget passed unanimously with no reservations," Souki said.
The losers, however, are not marveling at the turn of events. Say, for instance, doesn’t think the House Democrats had a strong plan of action on opening day.
"His agenda was really no agenda, there was no majority package … scrapping the PLDC (Public Land Development Corp.) was the only thing talked about," Say said.
Souki said he has named a policy committee and will have a fleshed-out plan by next year.
After 37 years in the state Legislature, Say admits that he is somewhat tired. But he is not finished.
During his interview, Say disclosed that he was approached about running for governor against incumbent Democrat Neil Abercrombie.
"About three or four weeks ago, people were asking me to run for governor. I said ‘I respect the governor,’" Say said.
But, he added, he is mulling over an exploratory committee to run for lieutenant governor.
The idea, Say said, would be that he would then run for governor at the end of Abercrombie’s term.
"I think I have good support with many of the old-time neighbor island legislators," Say said, adding that he thought his old political alliances would be helpful.
Interestingly, Souki also speculated on a run for lieutenant governor when he was out of the speaker’s office, although he decided to hold on to his Maui House district.
Souki reported that regaining the speakership has been "invigorating." Say had maintained a political action committee to collect contributions to be distributed among supporters, and Souki said his majority is now thinking about setting up its own PAC.
The speakership in the hands of Souki or Say carries much political power, and either man could further his position and clout in the next year.
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Richard Borreca writes on politics on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Reach him at rborreca@staradvertiser.com.
