The race between Representative Kevin Cotter
(R-Mt. Pleasant) and Representative Al Pscholka (R-Stevensville) came to an end
prior to the Republican Caucus elections this afternoon as Representative
Pscholka withdrew from his effort, giving the nod to now Speaker-elect Cotter.
Representative Pscholka, although not yet official, agreed to be Chair of the
House Appropriations Committee during the new term.
Representative Aric Nesbitt (R-Lawton) was
elected House Majority Floor Leader, Representative Tom Leonard (R-DeWitt) was
elected Speaker Pro Tem, and Representative Rob VerHeulen (R-Walker) will be
caucus whip.
On the Democratic side of the aisle, Minority
Floor Leader Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills) was re-elected to lead the Democratic
Caucus; however, current House Minority Floor Leader David Rutledge (Ypsilanti)
was defeated by Representative Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) for the number two
post.