Quest for power guides politicians’ allegiance

THE ISSUE A conservative Republican senator seems poised to jump ship to the Democratic Party.

WHY state Sen. Mike Gabbard would discard his GOP card to join the Democratic Party is puzzling -- considering the platform of his would-be affiliates conflicts with his personal views -- if not for political gaming.

Gabbard, who established his public profile opposing rights for gays and lesbians, may be willing to tolerate the liberal principles of the Democratic Party in trade for gaining a measure of influence with members of the legislative majority, who themselves may find his vote useful in their struggle to hold on to power.

The Kapolei-Makakilo lawmaker is considering switching parties, which isn't unusual in Hawaii. Through the years, politicians have jumped between parties either to win elections in a largely Democratic state or to profit from alliances with the ruling party.

Gabbard made nice with Senate Democrats by breaking with Republicans in the last legislative session, most notably voting to override GOP Gov. Linda Lingle's veto of a bill to set up an advisory panel to help choose University of Hawaii regents.

Though Senate Democrats outnumber Republicans 20-5, the majority is split between two factions and Gabbard could make a difference in leadership roles.

As head of the Alliance for Traditional Marriage, Gabbard made his name pushing for a ban on same-sex marriage and opposing civil unions and even policies to forbid harassment of gay students in public schools.

Many Democratic voters regard Gabbard's divisive ideology as unpalatable, but neither party nor legislative rules prevent him from enrolling.

That Gabbard would brook a party platform that proclaims rights for people no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity and that Senate Democrats would count him in mainly to reinforce their control speaks to the elastic nature of political integrity at the state Capitol.