Saturday, December 1, 2012

A small group of Kansas legislators hasn't stopped campaigning nearly four weeks after the state's general election because Republican lawmakers are picking new leaders for the House and Senate.

Legislators convene Monday for party caucuses.

For the first time in 12 years, the Senate president, the House speaker and the majority leaders in both chambers will be replaced. Republicans will fill those positions.

In the Senate, Susan Wagle of Wichita and Steve Abrams of Arkansas City are running for president.

The House speaker's race is among three lawmakers from southern Johnson County. They are Majority Leader Arlen Siegfreid and Judiciary Committee Chairman Lance Kinzer of Olathe and former Majority Leader Ray Merrick of Stilwell.

All of the candidates in both chambers are conservatives.