Mo. House Democrats pick new leader

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- House Democrats have chosen Rep. Paul LeVota as their new leader.

LeVota, of Independence, was selected over the weekend to succeed Minority Leader Jeff Harris, of Columbia, who is stepping down from the leadership post to focus on his campaign for attorney general.

LeVota, 39, was first elected to the House in 2002 and currently serves as the assistant minority leader. He will move up to the top spot this fall.

Rep. J.C. Kuessner, 64, of Eminence, was chosen to replace LeVota as the assistant minority leader.

House Republicans hold a 91-70 majority over Democrats with two vacancies.