MA Senator Karen Spilka Democrat - Second Middlesex and Norfolk (Credit: Mass Legislature)
BOSTON (AP / WBZ-AM) — Democratic state Sen. Karen Spilka says she has secured commitments from enough of her colleagues to become the next president of the Massachusetts Senate.
Spilka said in a statement Wednesday she was "deeply honored" by the support of other Democratic senators and was looking forward to working with current Democratic Senate President Harriette Chandler on a "smooth transition."
I’m deeply honored by the support I’ve received from my fellow Senators. I look forward to working collaboratively with Senate President Chandler and my Democratic and Republican colleagues to ensure a smooth transition. Senators have made clear that they want certainty in leadership to allow us to focus solely on the vitally important work to be done on behalf of the people at this time. It’s time to turn the page and usher in a new era of collaborative leadership in the Senate. We will work with our colleagues in the House and with Governor Baker to ensure the faith of the public is upheld, and our work on behalf of the people of our Commonwealth always work comes first.
Spilka, who is from Ashland, now chairs the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
Chandler congratulated Spilka and said she looks forward to serving as president for the remainder of the current session.
Former Democratic Senate President Stan Rosenberg stepped down from the leadership post in December after The Boston Globe reported on allegations of sexual misconduct by his husband, Bryon Hefner.
The Senate Ethics Committee is investigating whether Rosenberg violated any Senate rules.
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