From the N.C. Senate Republican Leader’s office:

Republicans Choose Leadership For New Majority

Berger To Be Nominated Next President Pro Tempore

Raleigh, N.C. ? At a meeting of the Senate Republican Caucus held today, Senate Republican Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) was unanimously selected by fellow members of the Senate Republican Caucus to serve as their nominee for the position of President Pro Tempore of the North Carolina Senate. Senator Berger had served as Minority Leader since 2005. He was first elected to serve in the N.C. Senate in 2000. Republicans will take control of the N.C. Senate for the first time in over 100 years on January 26, 2011, when the next session of the General Assembly officially begins.

Sen. Berger said, ?I am humbled by the support of my fellow Republicans and accept this nomination grateful for the opportunity to lead the Senate. We are under no illusions about the immensity of the problems we are facing as a state. Senate Republicans are united and understand that the voters expect us to provide leadership to address North Carolina?s significant fiscal problems and pursue policies to get our economy moving in the right direction by enabling the private sector to create jobs for our people.?


Additionally, Senate Republicans chose Sen. Harry Brown (R-Onslow) was to be Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Jerry Tillman (R-Randolph) as Senate Majority Whip, Sen. Fletcher Hartsell (R-Cabarrus) as Caucus Secretary, and Sen. Jean Preston (R-Carteret) as Caucus Liaison. Sen. James Forrestor (R-Gaston) was nominated to serve as Senate Deputy President Pro Tempore.