House Republicans choose Finnegan as minority leader

By Derrick DePledge
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

State House Republicans selected Rep. Lynn Finnegan yesterday as their new leader after House Minority Leader Galen Fox chose to step down after five years.

Finnegan

Fox

"I'm just excited to be able to help my caucus in this way," said Finnegan, who was elected to the House in 2002. "I do see it as an opportunity to do my best."

Fox, R-23rd (Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kaka'ako), became the House minority leader after the 2000 elections, when Republicans held 19 seats in the House, the most since 1954. But the GOP has lost ground over the past few elections. The toughest blow was last November, when Republicans lost five House seats after the party had predicted it would climb back into Democratic territory. There are now 10 Republicans in the 51-member House.

"The most exciting thing is that we have a governor that we work closely with," Fox said. "We've worked as a team and it's been good. On the other hand, Hawai'i is going to need more Republicans, more support for the governor, to make real changes."

Fox said Finnegan's strengths are education, healthcare and a personality that brings people together.

Lingle called Fox "a thoughtful and strategic leader." The governor said Finnegan would bring "a vibrant, enthusiastic and compassionate leadership style to the House that will allow us to continue to focus on matters that are important to the people of our state."

House Speaker Calvin Say, D-20th (St. Louis Heights, Palolo, Wilhelmina Rise), said: "A change in leadership always has its challenges, but we congratulate Rep. Finnegan on her new position and look forward to working with her as the House minority leader."

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.