GOP Names Largely Stable Senate Leadership

Senate Republicans have assembled their leadership team for the 111th Congress, leaving top positions unchanged while bringing in new members to some leadership positions.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Senate Minority Whip John Kyl (R-Ariz.), and Republican Conference Chair Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) will remain in those positions.

Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) will become chairman of the Republican Policy Committee, replacing Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), who abandoned the position and is rumored to be considering a run for governor of her home state.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) will leave his position as vice chair of the Republican Conference to head up the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC).

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) will take Cornyn’s old job in the next Congress.

–Michael O’Brien