Several Spokane-area lawmakers are moving up in leadership slots:

-In a rare jump-start, incoming Sen. Chris Marr, D-Spokane, will be one of two vice-chairmen on the state Transportation Committee. (Although this isn't Marr's first Olympia rodeo: he's the former chairman of the state Transportation Commission.)

-Among Republican Senate leadership, Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, has risen from whip to floor leader. What's that mean? That he'll be orchestrating floor debate, instead of the whip's job: ensuring that party members are there for key votes.

-In the House, fast-rising Rep. David Buri, R-Colfax, will also be floor leader.

-Also in the House, Rep. Lynn Schindler, R-Otis Orchards, will be whip.

And statehouse veteran Lisa Brown, who last month was re-elected Senate Majority Leader, remains by far the region's most powerful lawmaker.

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