Waugh Re-Elected Majority Caucus Chairman

HARRISBURG – Senator Mike Waugh (R-York) won unanimous support today from his fellow Republicans in his bid to serve as Majority Caucus Chairman during the 2009-2010 legislative session.

"Having served in this capacity during the current legislative session, I am humbled by the Caucus' support for me to continue as their Chairman," said Waugh.  "I look forward to building on the groundwork I laid during these last two years."

The Caucus Chairman's main responsibility is to preside over Republican Caucus meetings, during which bills and amendments are discussed and the Caucus develops a strategy for floor debate and votes.  In addition, the Chairman is one of three members of leadership to convene prior to session to determine what action will be taken on each bill on the day's Senate Calendar.

Waugh also took the initiative during his first term as Caucus Chairman to expand the role to assist his fellow Senators in preparing for the day's activity.

"From the beginning, I made a conscious decision to visit each Senator whose legislation is scheduled to be voted on or amended in the Senate that day," said Waugh.  "This provides me the opportunity to engage the members and helps them to prepare for possible discussion or debate on their legislation."

Because of the great strides the Senate has made under Republican leadership Waugh is proud to continue serving as a member of the leadership team.

In addition to Waugh, the Senate Republican leaders for the 2009-2010 legislative session will be as follows: Senator Dominic Pileggi will return to the position of Majority Leader, Senator Jane Clare Orie will again serve as Majority Whip, and Senator Bob Robbins continues as Majority Caucus Secretary.  Senator Jake Corman was elected to replace the retiring Senator Gib Armstrong as Senate Appropriations Chairman, and Senator Joe Scarnati has been nominated to once again serve as the Senate President Pro Tempore, a position which will be voted on by the full Senate upon the convening of the new session in January.