In With the New: Senate to Elect New Leadership Thursday

PROVIDENCE, RI—The full Senate is set to elect a new president this afternoon to replace outgoing Democrat M. Teresa Paiva Weed, who will resign to take a new job.

According to Greg Pare, press secretary for the Senate, the vote will follow a 3 p.m. caucus by Democratic members of the Rhode Island Senate in the Senate Lounge to select a new leadership team.

"It is expected that a new Majority Leader will be elected at the caucus and that the Democrats will give their endorsement for President of the Senate. The President is elected by the full membership of the Chamber, and it is expected that vote will take place when the Senate convenes at 4 p.m. following the caucus," he said.

With so few Republicans holding state Senate seats, the choice of the Democratic caucus is guaranteed the election. Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-North Prov.) is considered the favorite to replace Paiva Weed.

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