Senate Republicans have nominated a Greensburg business owner to become the second-highest ranking official in the state Senate.
Republicans chose Sen. David Givens to replace retiring Sen. Katie Stine as Senate president pro tem during a closed-door meeting on Tuesday. It is the first leadership position for Givens, who lost to Sen. Damon Thayer as majority floor leader two years ago.
Republicans also ousted Sen. Brandon Smith as majority whip, replacing him with Sen. Jimmy Higdon of Lebanon. Higdon will resign as chairman of the Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection Committee.
Senate President Robert Stivers was nominated for another term. The Senate president and president pro tem must be voted on by the full Senate. But Republicans will control 26 of the 38 Senate seats, all but ensuring their nominee will win.
