Hawaii Rep. Beth Fukumoto talks to reporters about why she’s leaving the Republican Party on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, in Honolulu. She’s hoping to become a Democrat but does not know whether the Democratic Party will accept her. (Cathy Bussewitz/Associated Press)HONOLULU — A Hawaii lawmaker who says she was pressured to give up her leadership post at the statehouse after criticizing President Donald Trump resigned Wednesday from the Republican Party. Hawaii Republican Party Chairman Fritz Rohlfing said Fukumoto should have resigned her seat and allowed the party to nominate a Republican to take her place, calling the state GOP “thriving and inclusive.”“I am extremely proud of how our Party welcomes and fosters voices from every background,” Rohlfing said. With Fukumoto’s departure, Hawaii has just five Republican state representatives and no Republican state senators.

Source: Washington Post March 23, 2017 01:02 UTC