Leadership
The Lieutenant Governor of Washington serves as the President of the Senate, but only casts a vote if required to break a tie. In his or her absence, the President Pro Tempore presides over the Senate. The President Pro Tempore is elected by the majority party caucus followed by confirmation of the entire Senate through a Senate Resolution. The President Pro Tempore is the chief leadership position in the Senate. The other Senate leaders, such as the majority and minority leaders are elected by their respective party caucuses.
The current President of the Senate is Brad Owen. The current President Pro Tempore is Tim Sheldon and the Majority Leader is Rodney Tom. While both Sheldon and Tom are Democrats, they have sided with the Senate Republicans to form the Majority Coalition Caucus. The Minority Leader is Democrat Ed Murray. Republicans have quickly gained more and more influence in the Senate and the House, unlike the gubernational, congressional, and federal elections in the state.
Read more about this topic: Washington State Senate
Famous quotes containing the word leadership:
“Nature, we are starting to realize, is every bit as important as nurture. Genetic influences, brain chemistry, and neurological development contribute strongly to who we are as children and what we become as adults. For example, tendencies to excessive worrying or timidity, leadership qualities, risk taking, obedience to authority, all appear to have a constitutional aspect.”
—Stanley Turecki (20th century)