Thursday, November 6, 2008

2009 legislature takes shape

There was a Senate Democratic caucus today and the group decided it intends to reelect Donald E. Williams Jr, D-Brooklyn, as president pro tempore and Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven, as majority leader.

Williams was first elected as the Senate's president pro tempore in July 2004. Looney has been majority leader for six years.

There are now 24 Democrats in the Senate and 12 Republicans. All senators will officially vote on leaders on the first day of the legislative session, which is scheduled for Jan. 6.

The House Democratic caucus is expected to meet tonight to decide its leaders. Current House Majority Leader Chris Donovan, D-Meriden, will likely be the choice for speaker of the House, while Denise Merrill, D-Mansfield, is said to be getting the nod for the position of majority leader.

It is important to note that Democrats have a veto-proof majority in both chambers after Tuesday's elections. The House has 114 Democratic members, while the Senate has 24.

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