Susan Wagle of Wichita chosen as new Kansas Senate president
Kansas Republicans have elected Susan Wagle as the new president of the state Senate.
The veteran Wichita Republican defeated Steve Abrams of Arkansas City in voting Monday.
When the session begins in January, Republicans will outnumber Democrats 32-8 in the Senate and 92-33 in the House.
Party primaries in August saw the conservative wing of the Republican Party oust several moderates, including Senate President Steve Morris. In the House, Speaker Mike O'Neal retired after 28 years in the chamber, including two terms as speaker.
Wagle is believed to be the first woman and the first lawmaker from Wichita to serve as the Senate president.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Johnson County Republican Ray Merrick is the new speaker of the Kansas House.
Merrick won on a second ballot Monday over fellow Johnson County representative Arlen Siegfried.
Democrats re-elected Anthony Hensley, of Topeka, as Senate minority leader and Paul Davis, of Lawrence, as House minority leader.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.