State Senate Democrats are prepared to take over the majority. Members met Thursday at the Capitol, for their first caucus in the majority. Senators approved State Senator Judy Robson's (D-Beloit) move from minority to majority leader. In accepting the nomination, Robson said she will work hard to improve the Senate and thanked members for their hard work in gaining control of the chamber. Robson said voters gave Senate Democrats the gift of majority control because their message resonated with the public.
Senators also welcomed four new members to the Democratic caucus. Senator-elects Jim Sullivan, Pat Kreitlow, Kathleen Vinehout, and John Lehman joined with fellow Democrats for the first time.
New majority leadership in the Senate consists of Robson as Majority leader and State Senator Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) as Assistant Majority Leader. State Senator Fred Risser (D-Madison) will again serve as Senate President, while State Senator Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) was elected as Senate President Pro Tempore.
Democrats will officially take control when the new legislature is inaugurated on January 3, 2007.