The former Majority Leader for the state Assembly will continue to lead Republicans, as they head into the minority.
During a caucus of Assembly Republicans on Monday, members selected Representative Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon) to serve as Minority Leader next session. He says the GOP's main focus will be fighting against tax increases, which he expects to be a big issue as the state struggles with an expected deficit of over $3 billion.
Fitzgerald beat out state Representative Scott Newcomer (R-Hartland) for the position.
Representative Fitzgerald (R-Horicon) shares his title with his brother, Senate Minority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau). Jeff Fitzgerald believes it will help to improve cooperation between the two chambers.
In January, Republicans will hand over an Assembly majority they've held for 14 years. Still, Fitzgerald says many Wisconsinites believe in their message of fiscal restraint, which is reflected in the fact that they only lost six seats in what turned out to be a big year for Democrats across the country.
Fitzgerald says GOP lawmakers are already looking ahead to 2010 and will work to regain their majority.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 :54)
