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Mark Schoesler elected Senate majority leader

by caprecord
Mark Schoesler

Senate Republicans on Monday elected Sen. Mark Schoesler of Ritzville to be the new majority leader.

Schoesler succeeds Sen. Rodney Tom, a Democrat who joined with Republicans two years ago to form the Majority Coalition Caucus. Tom did not seek re-election to his seat.

The Majority Coalition Caucus will continue to use the name. The group controls the Senate with 25 Republicans and one Democrat, Sen. Tim Sheldon of Potlatch. Democrats hold 23 seats in the chamber.

Republican Sen. Linda Evans Parlette of Wenatchee will continue as chair of the caucus. Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, will be deputy leader, Sen. Ann Rivers, R-La Center, will serve as whip and Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, was re-elected as floor leader.

Democrats control the House with a 51 to 47 vote majority. The party selected its leaders last month.

Rep. Frank Chopp of Seattle will continue as speaker, Rep. Pat Sullivan, D-Covington, will serve as majority leader and Rep. Eric Pettigrew, D-Seattle, will be the caucus chair.