New Assembly session under way with GOP in charge

Associated Press

Updated: Jan 7, 2013 3:21 PM

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin state Assembly has begun its two-year session by inaugurating its members and electing a new speaker.

Republicans control the Assembly 59-39 with one seat vacant in a Republican district. Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser administered the oath collectively to all 98 members on Monday. Some Democrats were sworn in earlier in the day at a separate ceremony presided over by Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson.

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus is among the guests who attended the ceremony. He says he came to see his old friend Robin Vos get elected as speaker.

Vos replaces fellow Republican Jeff Fitzgerald. Rep. Scott Suder of Abbotsford is the majority leader and Rep. Peter Barca of Kenosha is Democratic minority leader.

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