Assembly Republicans choose their team

Assembly Republicans picked their leadership team:

Assembly Republicans today elected Rep. Jeff Fitzgerald of Horicon as minority leader and Rep. Mark Gottlieb of Port Washington as assistant minority leader.

"Our focus is going to be getting back in the majority," Fitzgerald told his colleagues.

Fitzgerald defeated Rep. Scott Newcomer of Hartland; Gottlieb beat Rep. Leah Vukmir of Wauwatosa.

Of Gottlieb, one lobbyist is said to have remarked, "No Republican should win the League of Municipalities Outstanding Legislator Award." You know, everyone liked Congressman Bob Michel, too. He spent his whole career in the minority. 38 years.

Meanwhile,

Members also elected Rep. Scott Suder of Abbotsford as caucus chairman. He defeated Rep. Mark Honadel, who made an unsuccessful run to stay on as caucus chairman.

Joel Kleefisch of Oconomowoc was voted caucus vice chairman.

Assembly Republicans sorting themselves out

With the announcement by Mike Huebsch that he is not running for assembly minority leader, the scramble is on for the leadership positions. Jeff Fitzgerald is already running for assembly minority leader. Look for an announcement today from conservative Scott Newcomer that he's joining the race. Geography, fundraising ability and conservative credentials will all play a factor.

Wauwatosa representative Leah Vukmir is in line for assistant minority leader. If there's a challenge it may be from Mark Gundrum. Either way that means southeastern Wisconsin.

Finally, it looks like Scott Suder for Caucus Chairman. The leadership elections look like they will be held on Monday.