SALEM – Following the first gain of a Republican Senate seat since 1996, Oregon Senate Republicans named Senator Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day) as their Caucus Leader for a third session. The caucus also confirmed Senator Jackie Winters (R-Salem) as Deputy Caucus Leader.

Ferrioli stated that Republicans in the Senate will work to advance an agenda that focuses on creating lasting, local jobs, restoring accountability to the way government spends money and protecting Oregon taxpayers.

“Oregon Senate Republicans will continue to fight for and protect Oregon’s most important priorities,” said Ferrioli. “We will work with our colleagues across the aisle to make their good ideas better and to ensure that the values of all Oregonians are heard and represented.”

“Together we accomplished great things last session, together we will accomplish great things again,” said Winters. “We are looking forward to working in a bi-partisan way.”

Ferrioli, the most senior member of the Oregon Senate, is beginning his fourth term.

In the Oregon House, Republicans elected their leadership for the 2009 session, with Rep. Bruce Hanna re-elected as Republican Leader (R-Roseburg), and elected Rep. Kevin Cameron (R-Salem) as Deputy Leader and Rep. Ron Maurer (R-Grants Pass) as Republican Whip.