Senator Pam Jochum of Dubuque (left) talks with the news media shortly after being elected Senate President by her colleagues at a Statehouse meeting on November 18. Sen. Jochum will be the first female Democratic senator to preside over the chamber, replacing Jack Kibbie of Emmetsburg, who did not seek re-election. Also pictured are Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal of Council Bluffs and Senator-elect Janet Petersen of Des Moines.
(Des Moines) On Sunday, November 18, the new 26-member Democratic majority of the Iowa Senate met for the first time to elect their legislative leaders and welcome four newly elected members.
Senator Mike Gronstal of Council Bluffs will again serve as Senate Majority Leader.
“Democratic Senators will continue to focus on improving the economy,” Gronstal said. “That’s got to include helping Iowa workers gain the skills need to fill jobs that are already available here in Iowa.”
Senator Pam Jochum of Dubuque was elected President of the Senate, replacing Senate President Jack Kibbie who did not seek re-election. She will be the first female Democratic Senator to preside over the chamber. Senator Steve Sodders of State Center was elected Senate President Pro Tempore.
“As President, I’ll do my best to help the Iowa Senate effectively respond to the most pressing issues Iowans face: growing our economy and expanding educational opportunities,” Jochum said.
Senate Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City was elected Majority Whip. Senators Wally Horn of Cedar Rapids, Amanda Ragan of Mason City, Matt McCoy of Des Moines, and Bill Dotzler of Waterloo were elected Assistant Majority Leaders.
The four newly elected Democratic Senators will be sworn in on January 14 when the 2013 session begins. They are Chris Brase of Muscatine, Rita Hart of Wheatland, Janet Peterson of Des Moines, and Rich Taylor of Mount Pleasant.
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Caption: The newly elected Democratic members of the Iowa Senate met for the first time with Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal and the new President of the Senate Pam Jochum of Dubuque on Sunday, November 18, at the Iowa Statehouse. From left to right: Senator-elect Rita Hart of Wheatland, Senator-elect Rich Taylor of Mount Pleasant, Senate Leader Gronstal, Senator-elect Janet Peterson of Des Moines, and Senator-elect Chris Brase of Muscatine. Senate President Pam Jochum is seated.