Stosch Replaced as Senate GOP Leader

Senate Republicans, still reeling from their loss earlier this month, chose new senators to lead their caucus starting
in January.

Some of the more conservative members, including Sen. Ken Cuccinelli II (R-Fairfax) and Stephen D. Newman (R-Lynchburg), wanted to replace Stosch and the other moderate Republican leaders after the loss of four seats Nov. 6.

Following several hours of closed door dealmaking, Sen. Walter A. Stosch (R-Henrico) agreed to step down as minority leader and make way for Sen. Thomas K. Norment Jr. (R-James City), a moderate who had been part of the
leadership team and had worked side by side with Stosch.

Stosch was given the new position of Republican leader emeritus. Newman was given the job of caucus chairman.

Sen. Kenneth W. Stolle (R-Virginia Beach) will be leader pro tem while Sen. Mark D. Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) and Frank W. Wagner (R-Virginia Beach) will be party whips.

By Anita Kumar |  November 26, 2007; 4:43 PM ET  | Category:  Anita Kumar , Election 2007 , Virginia General Assembly 2008
Previous: Winners and Losers | Next: Cuccinelli Named Official Winner

The comments to this entry are closed.