Scrambling underway to gain Senate President’s position

A behind-the-scenes race is on to replace Iowa Senate President Mary Kramer who has been nominated by President Bush to be the new U.S. Ambassador to Barbados. At least three G-O-P Senators, including Jeff Angelo of Creston, have expressed an interest in the job. Angelo says the President of the state Senate helps determine the legislature’s agenda, presides over debate, is a spokesperson for Republicans and negotiates directly with the Governor. Angelo is currently on the Senate leadership team and he’s contacted G-O-P colleagues already to tell them he’s interested in moving up. Now Angelo says he’ll be phoning, e-mailing and traveling to visit in person with his colleagues and explain how he’d do the job and at some point ask for their vote. Senator Jeff Lamberti of Ankeny has indicated he’s interested in the job, as has Senator Neil Schuerer of Amana. Kramer still must undergo a U.S. senate committee hearing and be confirmed by the United States Senate before she resigns to take the Ambassadorship.