LANSING ? Michigan Democrats chose Rep. Andy Dillon (D-Redford Township) on Tuesday to lead their majority in the House during the 2007-2008 term. Republicans re-elected House Speaker Craig DeRoche (R-Novi), this time to head their caucus in their minority position next session.
Rep. Steve Tobocman (D-Detroit) was also elected majority floor leader while Rep. Michael Sak (D-Grand Rapids) was selected as speaker pro tempore. The remaining caucus positions were expected to be voted on at a later date by House Democrats.
Rep. George Cushingberry (D-Detroit) was brought up as a possible chair for the House Appropriations Committee, but Dillon said that decisions on committees would be made further down the road.
In a surprise, House Republicans re-elected Rep. Chris Ward (R-Brighton) as their floor leader after Ward had issued a letter to his colleagues saying he would not pursue a leadership role in the next term.
By trade, Dillon is an attorney and business executive, serving as CEO for Wynnchurch Capital and president of DSC steel company. He also worked as a legislative aide under U.S. Sen. Bill Bradley. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame. Dillon currently serves as minority vice chair of the House Energy and Technology Committee.
Other elections went as follows:
Assistant minority leader: Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer (R-Bellaire)
Assistant minority floor leaders: Rep. Tonya Schuitmaker (R-Lawton) and Mr. Hildenbrand.
Caucus chair: Rep. John Proos (R-St. Joseph) and Rep. Kim Meltzer (R-Macomb) as vice chair.
Minority whip: Rep. Kevin Green (R-Wyoming)
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