NWAOnline’s Legislative Coverage

Sen. Paul Bookout, D-Jonesboro, wins the Senate President Pro Tem race in the first round, with no runoff despite having two opponents.

Sens. Mary Anne Salmon, D-North Little Rock, and Ruth Whitaker, R-Cedarville, were the challengers. Vote-counters didn’t release numbers but did say Bookout had a majority.

Sen. Bob Johnson, D-Bigelow, will remain President Pro Tem until the next regular session begins in 2011. Therefore, he will lead the Senate in the fiscal session of 2010.

The House will not elect its next Speaker until March, 2010, after the fiscal session.