JEFFERSON CITY State Sen. Ron Richard (R-Joplin) was elected majority floor leader when lawmakers met yesterday (Nov. 8, 2012) with their respective caucuses at the Capitol to choose Senate leadership positions for the 2013 session.

Its an honor to be chosen by my colleagues as the next majority floor leader, said Sen. Richard. I look forward to working with members from both parties next session as we consider legislation to move our state forward. There are many challenges ahead, but through debate and compromise, we can put Missouri on a path to an even brighter future.

The majority floor leader sets the schedule of bills up for consideration by the full chamber, the time spent on floor debate for legislation, and the meeting times and dates of the Missouri Senate, among other duties.

Richard will replace current floor leader Sen. Tom Dempsey (R-St. Charles) who was elected president pro tem by the majority caucus. Also elected into leadership positions were Sen. Mike Kehoe (R-Jefferson City) who will act as assistant floor leader and Sen. Brian Nieves (R-District 26), who will serve as majority caucus whip.

This is not Richards first leadership position in the General Assembly. As a Missouri State Representative he was elected Speaker of the House in 2008.

To learn about Richards legislative accomplishments, visit his Missouri Senate website .

Minority party chooses leaders, too

Members of the Missouri Senate Democratic Caucus also elected their leaders for the First Regular Session of the 97th Missouri General Assembly.

Sen. Jolie Justus(D-Kansas City) unanimously was elected minority floor leader for the 2013 legislative session.

Sen. Shalonn Kiki Curls (D-Kansas City) was elected assistant minority floor leader by the members of the Senate Minority Caucus.

Sen. Joe Keaveny (D-St. Louis) will serve as caucus chairman, and Sen. Gina Walsh (D-Bellefontaine Neighbors) was elected caucus secretary.

I look forward to working with Senator Dempsey and the majority caucus to focus on the issues important to Missourians, including improving our education system and getting people back to work, Justus said. Im confident that by working together with our colleagues in the majority in areas where we share common ground, we can make substantial progress to move our state forward.

The first regular session of the 97th Missouri General Assembly convenes at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013.

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