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Thune Takes Ensign's GOP Leadership Post

Policy Committee slot is No. 4 in party's Senate hierarchy

By the Associated Press

Posted Jun 25, 2009 3:45 PM CDT

(AP) – Republicans today elected Sen. John Thune to the leadership post vacated by Sen. John Ensign, who stepped down after admitting last week to an extramarital affair with a campaign aide. Thune will lead the Senate Republican Policy Committee, the No. 4 position in the leadership, and play a role in shaping the Republican message and agenda on health care, climate change, and spending.

"We're in a bit of a hole but we're going to dig our way out of it," said Thune, who had served as vice chairman of the conference, the No. 5 leadership job. Republicans elected Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski to that post. Thune captured attention in 2004 when he defeated then-Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell looks on as Sen. John Thune, new chairman of the Policy Committee, speaks today on Capitol Hill. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, is at right.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell looks on as Sen. John Thune, new chairman of the Policy Committee, speaks today on Capitol Hill. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, is at right.   (AP Photo)
South Dakota's John Thune was elected today to the Republican Senate leadership post vacated by Nevada's John Ensign.
South Dakota's John Thune was elected today to the Republican Senate leadership post vacated by Nevada's John Ensign.   (AP Photo)
Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., talks with reporters on his way to a vote Monday.
Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., talks with reporters on his way to a vote Monday.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
kokuaguy
Jun 28, 2009 1:41 AM CDT
Same tired old lyrics with a new ....
Newser001
Jun 26, 2009 12:42 PM CDT
'We're in a bit of a hole'... Clearly an understatement.
AdaptAndOvercome
Jun 26, 2009 3:33 AM CDT
King of Earmarks: John Thune used his skills and took a bill that was zeroed out President Bush's 2005-2006, but was saved and revised "behind closed doors" under Thunes leadership as part of the 2005 transportation appropriations bill that including funding to "the bridge to nowhere" for fellow Republican Sarah Palin. You know, the money she got, never used and never returned. Only goes to show the Republican party really have NO clue about what the hell they're doing, they only thing they know is how to say NO to the American people in need and YES to big business.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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