12/31/07 - GOP caucus backs slate for key posts

(As published by Cortland Standard, Evan Geibel reporting)

The Republican legislative caucus met Saturday and endorsed the slate for county Legislature leadership positions that was proposed last week by party leaders.

The Republicans will be standing behind Legislator John Steger (R-Preble and Scott) for chairman of the Legislature; Patrick Perfetti of Homer for county attorney; and Carletta Edwards of Cortland for clerk of the Legislature.

No minority leader has been selected as the party is waiting to see what happens at Legislature’s organizational session Thursday night.

The Democrats, who hold a 10-9 majority, have chosen Carol Tytler (D-3rd Ward) for the chairmanship and Sandy Price (D-Harford and Virgil) for majority leader but have not put forward names for county attorney and clerk of the Legislature.

They will meet tonight to discuss possibilities and talk with interested persons. Tytler has said if she were appointed chairman by the Legislature, she would keep on Sue Morgan, the current clerk of the Legislature.

The bare 10-9 Democratic majority could make predicting an outcome difficult and both parties are poised to make last-minute decisions at Thursday’s session.