JEFFERSON CITY — Lawmakers and newly-elected legislators convened in Jefferson City today to meet in their respective caucuses and select leaders for the 97th General Assembly, which begins in January.
The Senate Majority Caucus elected Sen. Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, to serve as President Pro Tem. He replaces outgoing Sen. Rob Mayer, R-Dexter, who is leaving office this year due to term limits. The pro tem is responsible for appointing committee members, assigning legislation to committees, and ruling on points of order raised during debate on the Senate floor, among other duties. The full Senate will vote on this leadership position in January.
Other Senate Majority Caucus positions filled today include:
- Majority Floor Leader – Sen. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, was selected to fill the position of Majority Floor Leader vacated by Sen. Dempsey, who is assuming the role of pro tem. The Majority Floor Leader is responsible for setting the schedule of bills up for consideration by the full body, the time allotted for floor debate on legislation, and the meeting times and dates of the Missouri Senate.
- Assistant Majority Floor Leader – Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, was chosen as Assistant Majority Floor Leader, who takes over for the majority floor leader when he is unavailable to attend debate in the Senate Chamber.
- Majority Caucus Whip – Sen. Brian Nieves, R-Washington, will serve as Majority Caucus Whip. The whip traditionally ensures members of their caucus are in attendance when votes are taken.
Senator Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale, was elected Majority Caucus Chairman, and Sen. Jay Wasson, R-Nixa, was chosen as the Majority Caucus Secretary.
The Senate Minority Caucus also selected new leadership today. Senator Jolie Justus, D-Kansas City, was elected Minority Floor Leader for the 2013 session. She will replace Sen. Victor Callahan, D-Independence, who leaves the Senate due to term limits. Senator Shalonn “Kiki” Curls, D-Kansas City, will serve as Assistant Minority Floor Leader.
Senator Joseph Keaveny, D-St. Louis, will serve as Minority Caucus Chairman. Missouri State Senator-elect Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, who was elected on Tuesday to replace term-limited Sen. Timothy Green, D-Spanish Lake, in the 13th Senatorial District, will be Minority Caucus Secretary.
The current majority and minority breakdown in the Missouri Senate is 26-8. After the 2012 general election—barring any recounts and following the Missouri Secretary of State’s certification of election results—the ratio in the Missouri Senate will change to 24-10.
For more information about the Missouri Senate, visit www.senate.mo.gov. To contact the Senate Newsroom, call (573) 751-3824 or email newsroom@senate.mo.gov.
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