New Sen. Bob Nonini, R-Coeur d'Alene, got three committee assignments: Education, Agriculture and Transportation. There had been some speculation that Nonini might be left without committee assignments as punishment for his attempts in the primary to unseat sitting GOP senators by bankrolling their primary challengers.

"I talked to all those that were involved," said Senate President Pro-Tem Brent Hill, R-Rexburg. "There was no indication anyone wanted retribution." He added, "I had no cries from those that were most affected to mete out any kind of punishment. ... I would speculate that if it were to happen again, the mood would be very much different. ... We can make a mistake once."

Nonini pronounced himself "very happy" with his committee assignments.