GOP Senate Leaders Approve Power-Sharing Plan

MACON, Ga. - Republican State Senate leaders say they have approved a plan to share power with GOP Lieutenant Goveor Casey Cagle. Republicans are in control in the Georgia State Senate, but they have been fighting amongst themselves over who will have the power to make decisions on key issues.

On Friday, Cagle met with Georgia State Senate leaders behind closed doors at Woodruff House on the campus of Mercer University Law School after some Republican leaders tried to strip Cagle of some of his authority.

Cagle responded to word on Thursday that leading GOP State Senate leaders would attempt to change Senate rules, taking away his powers, including his committee assignments. The move would leave him in a figurehead role as the presiding officer.

”I view this really as more politics, inside fighting, Cagle told Georgia Newsday on Thursday. ”I’m confident that the Senate is going to do the right thing, and we’re focused on issues that are important to Georgians.

Cagle also said a change would leave the Senate vulnerable as key decisions are made with the goveor and the Georgia State House.

Cagle easily won re-election as Lieutenant Goveor in Tuesday’s midterm election. Republicans now outnumber Democrats 35-21 in Georgia State Senate.

Cagle spokesman Ben Fry said, ”The Lt. Goveor is not going to let procedure get in the way of his passion for creating jobs and making the difficult decisions necessary to balance the budget and move our state forward.

The proposed changes in Senate rules are to receive final approval when the Republican dominated legislature goes back into session in January.