Each legislative session, the Ohio Senate majority and minority caucuses select a slate of leaders to maintain order on the floor, set the agenda and direct policy for its 33 members.
The Majority
The political party that has the most Senate members is the majority caucus. Party composition is particularly important at the beginning of a new session as the Senate President is selected from the party in the majority. The Senate President is supported in his duties by a slate of leaders from and selected by members of his or her caucus.
The President of the Senate is the presiding officer of the Ohio Senate, elected by all members of the Senate to conduct session, which includes recognizing members in debate, preserving order and decorum, calling for votes and signing all acts.
Pete Fact : Pro Tempore is a Latin phrase which means "for a time" or "for the time being." The President Pro Tempore may serve as President for a time.
The president pro tempore is elected by all members of the Senate. The role of this leadership position is to serve as the temporary president in the absence of the Senate President.
The majority floor leader is elected by all members of the Senate and is responsible for the development and implementation of the agenda for the majority party.
The majority whip is elected by all members of the Senate and is responsible for monitoring legislation and securing votes for legislation on the floor for the majority party.
The Minority
The minority caucus is comprised of the party with the fewest members represented. Each session, members of the minority caucus select a slate of leaders, headed by the minority leader.
The minority leader is elected by all members of the Senate to lead the party in the minority. He or she is responsible for the development and implementation of the minority party
The assistant minority leader is elected by all members of the Senate and assists the minority leader in development and implementation of the agenda for the minority party.
The minority whip is elected by all members of the Senate and is responsible for monitoring legislation and securing votes for legislation on the floor for the minority party.
The assistant minority whip is elected by all members of the Senate and is responsible for assisting the minority whip in monitoring legislation and securing votes for legislation on the floor for the minority party.
