Decker says leadership change not just about budget
Russ Decker told reporters this afternoon that his selection as the new Senate majority leader was not about the budget, even though the move comes less than a day after it was approved.
"I think I bring a stronger message to the table," Decker said.
Decker replaces Judy Robson, who some Dems complained had been unable to effectively deliver their message in the budget debate as well as on other issues.
When asked if he feels that Senate Dems were cut out from the last leg of budget discussions, Decker said, "I would agree to that to some degree."
Decker also said that he would "hopefully" have gotten a better deal for Democrats had he been leader, as well, adding he would have held out longer for the hospital assessment, oil assessment and combined reporting.
Decker said that he decided to challenge Robson for the leadership in the Senate within the last several weeks.
Decker said the vote was not contested and the ballots would be destroyed.
See more in the PM Update.
