After more than 11 hours of debate at a hotel in Roseville, Minnesota Republicans chose Sen. David Senjem, of Rochester, to represent them as majority leader in the state senate. Senjem will replace Amy Koch, who resigned earlier this month after admitting to an inappropriate relationship with a senate staffer.

The new Senate Majority Leader says the scandal involving Amy Koch was unfortunate, but it's in the past. According to the Associated Press, Dave Senjem doesn't plan to file a complaint against the former majority leader or any senators connected to the events that led to her abrupt resignation.

Senate Majority Leader David Senjem appointed Kevin Matzek as the GOP caucus' chief of staff Thursday. Matzek, who has been serving in the role since November when Cullen Sheehan left the post, formerly served as legislative director to the Senate Republican caucus.

Former Minnesota House Speaker Steve Sviggum is the new communications chief for the Senate GOP. Sviggum's folksy style will contrast with his predecessor, the more combative Michael Brodkorb. Senate Majority Leader Dave Senjem says the caucus values Sviggum's experience and knowledge of the press.

Amy Koch issued a surprise announcement that she's stepping down as Majority Leader of the Minnesota Senate. Koch's letter to fellow Republicans did not specify a reason, but called the past year challenging, exciting, and exhausting.

GOP senators serving on an ethics committee never showed up Friday when the panel was scheduled to reconvene to take up a complaint against Sen. Geoff Michel. The complaint stems from how Michel handled revelations of a relationship between then Majority Leader Amy Koch and staffer Michael Brodkorp.

WCCO is reporting that four Republican Senators held an emergency meeting with Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch on Wednesday night after learning about possible improper conduct. Koch resigned unexpectedly on Thursday.