Minnesota Senate GOP Picks New Majority Leader

ROSEVILLE, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota Senate Republicans have elected Dave Senjem of Rochester as their new majority leader.

The GOP senators picked Senjem after meeting for more than 10 hours to select a replacement for Amy Koch, who resigned amid revelations she had an inappropriate relationship with a Senate staffer.

Koch publicly admitted to the relationship last Wednesday. She gave up her leadership post Dec. 15, one day after she was confronted by her colleagues about the relationship. She said she will not run for re-election, but she remains a senator.

Along with the speaker of the House, the Senate majority leader is one of the most powerful posts in state government. They wield considerable authority in deciding which bills get considered and which are left to languish in committee.