Tempers Flare As Hawaii Republicans Desperately Try To Block Same-Sex Marriage

The debate on the floor opened with republican Rob McDermott nearly yelling at Souki, challenging the speaker’s authority and alienating his colleagues in the process. Tempers flared as the discussion ensued and Souki had to call for security at one point. McDermott said the coalition Republicans formed with majority Democrats to give Souki the speakership last year is no longer working. He said there’s no transparency and the power structure should be changed to put new leaders in charge. “This whole arrangement has destroyed the minority caucus,” McDermott said, referring to himself as “the most hated man” in the minority caucus.