01.29.09

MURKOWSKI IS APPOINTED TO SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP TEAM

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has appointed Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Alaska’s senior senator, to the Senate Republican leadership team.

Murkowski was named a counsel to the Senate Republican leader. McConnell has three such counsels who offer input, guidance and advice to the Republican leadership.

 

The other two counsels, who were appointed in the last Congress, are Sens. Judd Gregg, R-NH, and Robert Bennett, R-Utah.

 

In addition to her new leadership role, Murkowski was formally named ranking Republican member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee this week, and last week she was appointed to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

 

“It is an honor to be named to the Senate Republican leadership team, and I look forward to working with Sen. McConnell and the other members of his team,” Murkowski said. “I bring a Western perspective to leadership, and I look forward to offering my input and perspective as we shape national policy in the United States Senate.”

 

McConnell welcomed Murkowski to his team.

 

“Sen. Murkowski has quickly ascended to leadership positions in both our Caucus and in the Senate,” McConnell said. “She brings sound judgment and a thoughtful perspective to the Senate, and our leadership team looks forward to her wise counsel and guidance.”