Sen. Todd Lakey, R-Nampa, has been elected Senate Majority Caucus Chairman, after a four-way contest in which he faced off with Sens. Cliff Bayer, R-Boise; Marv Hagedorn, R-Meridian; and Jim Rice, R-Caldwell. The position opened with the retirement from the Senate of Sen. Russ Fulcher, R-Meridian, who left the Senate to run against Gov. Butch Otter in the GOP primary. That marks the final leadership election results for tonight; the remainder of the Senate majority leadership will remain as-is: Senate President Pro-Tem Brent Hill, R-Rexburg; Majority Leader Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls; and Assistant Majority Leader Chuck Winder all retained their seats.

Lakey said, “We did take a while, with four candidates.” Procedures call for continued voting until one got more than 50 percent. “I’m just humbled by the opportunity to serve,” Lakey said, “and grateful for the support. I’ll do my best.”