SEN. KINDER ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF CAUCUS

JEFFERSON CITY -- Senate Republicans chose Peter Kinder of Cape Girardeau to serve as caucus chairman for the next session that convenes in January.

Kinder was elected during a caucus session Thursday in Jefferson City, called to re-organize following Tuesday's election. It is one of four GOP leadership positions in the Senate.

"My function will be to call meetings of the caucus and lead them. I will also confer with the minority leader on when we meet, what will be discussed, and I will conduct the meetings," said Kinder.

Kinder, who will start his third year in the Senate next year, said he actively sought the position and looked forward to using it to keep GOP senators focused on issues of importance to the party and the state.

Caucus meetings are called periodically, normally to talk about positions on issues and legislation.

Most of Thursday's session was devoted to choosing leaders, but the party did take a position on one issue.

On a unanimous vote, Kinder said GOP senators agreed to push for passage of a well-drafted version of Amendment 7 that does not involve retroactive refunds of previously enacted taxes.

Kinder said their plan would go from this point forward and require public votes on major tax increases.

"We will push it very strongly," said Kinder, pointing out that the party's position is in line with the position taken by Farm Bureau on the issue.

Voters overwhelmingly rejected Amendment 7 Tuesday, primarily because of concerns that poor wording would trigger massive budget cuts of $1 billion to $5 billion.

Democrats control the Senate 19 to 15. Six of the Republican members were elected for the first time Tuesday.

With Republicans gaining eight seats in the House to trail 87 to 76, Kinder said the political landscape in Jefferson City has changed dramatically.

"It's just a changed ballgame up here," said Kinder, "especially in the House. I think, particularly in the House, they will be less hospitable to left-wing initiatives from Gov. (Mel) Carnahan like we saw in his health-care plan last year."

Besides Kinder, also elected to Republican leadership posts were Franc Flotron of Creve Coeur, minority leader; Steve Ehlmann of St. Charles, assistant floor leader; and Walt Mueller of Kirkwood, minority whip-secretary.

Kinder's 27th District includes Cape Girardeau, Perry, Madison, Bollinger, Scott and Mississippi counties.