• Home
  • News
    • Politics / Govt
    • Legislature
    • Crime / Courts
    • Health / Medicine
    • Archives
  • Sports
    • Badgers
    • Packers
      • Titletown Report
    • Brewers
  • Contact Us
    • Reporters
  • Affiliates
    • Affiliate Support

Wisconsin Radio Network

Wisconsin News and Sports

You are here: Home / Politics / Govt / Senate GOP picks new leadership

Senate GOP picks new leadership

November 4, 2010 By Bob Hague

Jubilant state Senate Republicans select new leaders. Kudos for state Senator Scott Fitzgerald of Juneau from Senator Alberta Darling of River Hills, who says “Big Fitz” put his party back in the majority. “You knew that we couldn’t win as Republicans and turn this state red, their just aren’t enough Republicans,” said Darling as the Senate GOP caucused at the Capitol. “You knew that we had to appeal to the independents who are fiscal conservatives. So the mandate is there, you can tell we just didn’t squeak by and get the majority.”

Republicans now hold nineteen seats in the Senate to fourteen for Democrats. Fitzgerald served as Minority Leader when those numbers favored the Democrats. “We have so many good people, we have extras now,” said Darling. “So those of us who don’t want to be on the program, and the programs going to be very clear: we’ve got to attack government spending, we’ve got to grow jobs and the economy. Anybody else who doesn’t want to be on that program, take a back seat because that’s where we’re going.”

State Senator Dale Schultz praised Fitzgerald’s wisdom. “I think we all are feeling a little hubris about being back here and having a second chance, but I think most of us know that we’re on a little bit of probation here, and I think you said that, Fitz. People want to see something done, and I think you know that.”

“I don’t know that we necessarily got a mandate,” said Fitzgerald. “But I think what we can certainly assume today is that the people certainly were upset with the overreach that they saw not only in Madison but I think in Washington, D.C. So that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re enamored with the Republican Party, but they certainly have been willing to give us another shot at it.”

Senator Mike Ellis, the second longest serving Senator, will succeed Madison Democrat Fred Risser, the longest serving member, as Senate President. “Mike will bring to the Senate President’s position the honor and respect that has had in the past,” said Senator Luther Olson, who nominated Ellis for the post. Both Fitzgerald and Ellis received unanimous support from their colleagues. The new session of the legislature begins in January.

 AUDIO: Senator Scott Fitzgerald (1:15)

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Politics / Govt



Featured Stories

Future of abortion in Wisconsin hinges on SCOTUS ‘Roe’ decision

Juvenile arrested in connection with death of Lily Peters

Missing Chippewa Falls girl found dead, police seek suspect

Medical marijuana legislation gets public hearing at Capitol

Tommy Thompson announces he will not run for governor

TwitterFacebook

Sports Headlines

Giannis breaks franchise scoring record, Bucks beat Nets in OT

Wisconsin’s Davis declares for NBA Draft

Badgers to face Arizona State in Las Vegas Bowl

Williams likely out for the season with broken hand

Packers releasing TE Jace Sternberger

More Sports

Tweets by @WRN

Get our news delivered to your inbox:

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Copyright © 2022 · Learfield News & Ag, LLC