Robbins Re-Elected to Senate Leadership Position

Majority Caucus Secretary handles confirmation process for all gubernatorial nominees

Harrisburg – State Senate Republicans today unanimously re-elected Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) to a Senate leadership position for the upcoming 2007-08 legislative session.

As the Senate Majority Caucus Secretary, Robbins handles all executive nominations submitted to the Senate for approval. He ensures that all background information is received, works with Senators to deal with any concerns, and coordinates the review of the nomination by the committees and the full Senate. As part of Senate leadership, Senator Robbins also plays a part in setting the Senate's agenda.

"I am grateful for the faith my colleagues have shown by re-electing me to this leadership position," said Robbins, the lone legislator from northwestern serving in a leadership position in the General Assembly. "Being in leadership gives residents of northwest Pennsylvania a stronger voice in state government affairs. We have many challenges and opportunities awaiting us in the next two years, and I look forward to addressing them from a position of leadership."

Prior to being elected Caucus Secretary for the 2001-02 session, Robbins served as Senate Majority Policy Committee Chairman. Senator Robbins was first elected to the Senate in 1990 and was most recently re-elected by voters on November 7th. He serves as Vice Chairman of the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. He is a member of the Senate Committees on Banking and Insurance, Game and Fisheries, Local Government, and Rules and Executive Nominations. He also serves as Chairman of the bipartisan Local Government Commission, Vice Chairman of the Athletic Oversight Committee, and a member of the Keystone State Games Commission.

Senate Republicans, who hold a 29-21 majority in the chamber, also nominated Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25) to serve as President Pro Tempore. The full Senate will vote on the nomination when it reconvenes in January. The President Pro Tempore is responsible for appointing the chairs and members of committees, and presides over the Senate when the Lieutenant Governor is unavailable.

The Senate Republican leadership team also includes: Senator Dominic Pileggi (R-9), Majority Leader; Senator Jane Clare Orie (R-40), Majority Whip; Senator Mike Waugh (R-28), Majority Caucus Chairman; and Senator Gibson Armstrong (R-13), Appropriations Committee Chairman.

CONTACT:

Mike Hengst
(717) 787-1322