INDIANAPOLIS (November 7, 2012) – The Indiana Senate Majority Caucus met today in Indianapolis to elect their leadership team.  Thirty-five incumbents and two senators-elect gathered to re-elect State Sen. David Long (R-Fort Wayne) as their choice for Senate President Pro Tempore and State Sen. Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis) as Majority Caucus Chair.  

Long has served as President Pro Tempore since 2006, and Merritt has held his leadership post since 2004.

In accordance with Senate rules, the 13 Democrats who make up the minority caucus will also weigh in on Long’s selection during the legislature’s official Organization Day on Nov. 20. Traditionally, the minority caucus supports the choices of the majority members.

Earlier this year, Long appointed State Sen. Brandt Hershman (R‐Buck Creek) as Senate Majority Floor Leader and State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R‐Bremen) as Senate Majority Whip.

Long said he expects the 2013 Indiana General Assembly to be productive on a variety of issues, but the top priority will be passing a fiscally responsible, balanced budget.  

“Senate Republicans look forward to working with our colleagues in the General Assembly and Governor-elect Pence to craft commonsense pro-growth policies that will build upon Indiana’s foundation of job creation and fiscal responsibility,” Long said. “The cornerstone of these efforts will be the passage of another honestly balanced two-year budget for our state.”

Also attending Wednesday’s meeting were two newly elected Republicans to the Indiana Senate:

•    Rodric Bray (SD 37), an attorney from Martinsville
•    Mike Crider (SD28), a small business owner and a retired conservation officer from Greenfield

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