Senjem To Lead State Senate Republicans

Story by Flor Trevino and Mike Fischbein

Minnesota Senate Republicans have selected Dave Senjem of Rochester as their new majority leader. Senjem takes over for Senator Amy Koch, who resigned the post amid allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a male staffer.

Senjem said "Over the course of the last two weeks we've gone through a difficult period. But we've come out of that, and all directions now are looking forward. No more looking backward."

He said Republicans are committed to working on a clear legislative agenda and a clear campaign message for 2012, when all 67 Senate seats are up for grabs. "Our priorities will not change,” he said. “It's jobs and the economy."

Governor Dayton said he congratulated the new majority leader, and looks forward to a constructive working relationship with him.

Marty Owings follows events at the capitol for KFAI. He spoke with Mike Fischbein and Flor Trevino on The Takeaway to provide some analysis of the selection of Dave Senjem as Senate Majority Leader.