FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2008
CONTACT: Erik Arneson
717-787-4712
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Senate Republicans Elect Leadership Team for New Session 

(HARRISBURG) -- State Senate Republicans today elected their leadership team for the 2009-2010 legislative session.

Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25) has been nominated once again to serve as President Pro Tempore. The full Senate will vote on Scarnati's nomination when it reconvenes in January.  As President Pro Tempore, he will be responsible for appointing the chairpersons and members of the standing committees of the Senate.  He will also preside over the Senate as the Lieutenant Governor, as well as play a significant role in negotiations with the Administration and House of Representatives.

A native of Brockway in Jefferson County, Scarnati was elected to the Senate in 2000.  A graduate of the Pennsylvania State University at DuBois, the Senator was a third-generation small business owner and served in local government.

Senator Dominic Pileggi (R-9) will serve his second term as Senate Majority Leader.  His duties will include overseeing the legislative agenda, developing policies and strategies for the Senate Republican Caucus, and playing a key role in floor debates.  He will also play a major role in negotiating issues with the Administration and House of Representatives and in supervising action on the Senate floor.

Pileggi was first elected to the Senate in a Special Election held on October 1, 2002.  Prior to his election to the Senate, Senator Pileggi served as Mayor of the City of Chester from 1998 to 2002.

Leadership of the Senate Appropriations Committee, one of the most powerful of the standing committees, will go to Senator Jake Corman (R-34).  The committee reviews all legislation for its fiscal impact and plays a crucial role in developing the state budget.

Senator Jane Clare Orie (R-40) was again elected Majority Whip.  Her duties include acting as assistant floor leader, working to gain support for legislation and assuring that Republican policies and strategies are maintained through the cooperative efforts of the majority caucus.

Senator Mike Waugh (R-28) will serve as Majority Caucus Chairman for the 2009-2010 legislative session.  As chairman, he will preside over Republican Caucus meetings to discuss bills and amendments and to develop caucus strategy.

As the Senate Majority Caucus Secretary, Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) will oversee all executive nominations submitted to the Senate for confirmation.  He will coordinate the review of the background and experience of nominees and ensure that proper documentation is submitted.

Senate Republicans have maintained a 29-20 majority in the state Senate, with a special election to be held to fill the Senate seat in the 29th District.  Five new Republican senators will take office in January.  They are Senator-elect Rich Alloway, Senator-elect Lloyd Smucker, Senator-elect Elder Vogel, Jr., Senator-elect Kim Ward and Senator-elect Gene Yaw.

CONTACT:

CAROL MARAVIC (717) 787-6725
STEVE MACNETT (717) 787-8511