Republicans in the Oregon House have selected Rep. Mike McLane of Powell Butte as their next leader after an election that appears to have left them with four fewer seats.
Co-Speaker Bruce Hanna of Roseburg, who had been the top House Republican, did not seek a position when Republicans elected leaders on Thursday.
McLane is a lawyer in Central Oregon and will begin his second term in January. He says he'll work constructively with Democrats, who are likely to be in the majority after two years of an even split between the parties.
GOP lawmakers selected Reps. Julie Parrish of West Linn as the deputy leader and Vicki Berger of Salem as the Republican whip.
Democrats are expected to select leaders next week.
