 Republicans have chosen a Brainerd Lakes Area Legislator to serve as Senate Majority Leader. Senator Paul Gizelka will replace Majority Leader Tom Bach as the GOP eyes of takeover of the Senate. Gizelka is a third term senator from Niswa with roots in Minnesota's Iron Range. His selection reflects the rural games Republicans made to take control from Democrats. Gizelka will join Republican House Speaker Kurt Daut and Governor Mark Dayton at the negotiating table as the most powerful trio in Minnesota politics. Republicans flipped eight seats to retake control of that chamber, although that hinges on automatic recounts confirming the outcomes of two races currently in their favor. Senator David Hahn had been the top Republican in the Senate, but he lost his reelection bid Tuesday. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.