House DFL names assistant majority leaders

Briana Bierschbach//December 16, 2012//

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House Democrats have added seven new assistant majority leaders ahead of the 2013 legislative session.

On Sunday, incoming House Majority Leader Erin Murphy congratulated the new assistant leaders over Twitter, naming Reps. Carly Melin (Hibbing), John Ward (Baxter), Leon Lillie (North St. Paul), Kim Norton (Rochester), John Persell (Bemidji), Diane Loefller (Minneapolis) and freshman Jason Isaacson (Shoreview).

The new team represents a mix of urban and rural leaders, as well as veteran legislators and up-and-coming members of the House caucus.

Melin, who will represent Iron Range interests on the leadership team, is heading into her second term after winning a special election to replace former House Majority Leader Tony Sertich. Norton, Persell and Ward represent outstate regional centers, while both Lillie and Loeffler are heading into their fifth terms and will be the voice of urban interests. Isaacson was picked by the freshman class to represent their issues in the new majority caucus.