For Immediate Release:
Nov. 6, 2014

Contact: Lauren Hieger
(573) 751-7266
Senate Majority Caucus Elects Leadership

JEFFERSON CITY — The majority caucus today endorsed once again Sen. Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, to serve a second session as President Pro Tem of the Missouri Senate for the 98th General Assembly. Dempsey must still be elected to the post by the full Senate when it convenes in January. Before serving as President Pro Tem during the 97th General Assembly, he had served as the Senate Majority Floor Leader.

“We came together as a Senate last session to create solutions to real and complicated issues facing our state,” said Dempsey. “Those bipartisan efforts will continue into next year. We will be focused on promoting policies that will spur economic growth, and we will look at policies that will improve achievement in education whether that’s through funding or the student transfer issue.”

The President Pro Tem is responsible for appointing committee members, assigning legislation to committees, and ruling on points of order raised during debate in the Senate Chamber, among other powers.

Also elected to Senate Majority Caucus Leadership include:

  • Sen. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, elected as Majority Floor Leader. This will be Richard’s second session in this role. 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 session meeting times and dates.
  • Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, elected as Assistant Majority Floor Leader. The position is responsible for assuming the Majority Floor Leader’s role in his or her absence.
  • Sen. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, elected as Majority Caucus Whip. Copied after Congress, the whip traditionally makes sure caucus members are present to cast votes.
  • Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale, elected as Majority Caucus Chairman.
  • Sen. Jay Wasson, R-Nixa, elected as Majority Caucus Secretary.

“I look forward to working once again as the Majority Floor Leader, and I appreciate my colleague’s support,” said Majority Floor Leader Ron Richard, R-Joplin.

Dempsey said the entire caucus will meet later this month to discuss priorities for the upcoming session. The 98th General Assembly convenes on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015.