SALT LAKE CITY -- A shake-up in the Utah House of Representatives has ended with new majority leadership that includes two lawmakers from the Top of Utah.
On Thursday, Rep. Rebecca Lockhart, R-Provo, ousted Rep. David Clark, R-Santa Clara, as speaker of the House in a closed-door caucus vote.
Lockhart will become the first woman GOP speaker in Utah history when the legislative session begins in 2011.
"The caucus decided on a new style of leadership," said Lockhart.
Rep. Brad Dee, R-Washington Terrace, was elected the majority leader.
"We have a good caucus, and a strong leadership team," said Dee, who was the majority whip.
Rep. Ronda Rudd Menlove, R-Garland, was voted in as assistant majority whip.
The new leadership group pledged an "open" style of decision-making with more discussion of ideas.
"It may be more contentious at first. But then it will settle down," said Menlove.
House Democrats will hold their leadership elections Tuesday.
In the Senate, Sen. Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, beat back a challenge from Sen. Dan Liljenquist, R-Bountiful, to remain as Senate president.
Senate Majority Leader Scott Jenkins, R-Plain City, survived a vote among his political peers to retain his post.
"This is not an easy process" said Jenkins.
Sen. Peter Knudson, R-Brigham City, also will return as the assistant majority whip.
The Senate Democrats chose Sen. Ross Romero, D-Salt Lake, as the minority leader.
All the leadership posts last two years.
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