News-Record.com

The House and Senate Democrats are getting together today to choose their leaders.

First up have been Senate Democrats, who just a few minutes ago finished choosing Sen. Marc Basnight as their candidate for President Pro Tempore. He won't be officially chosen until the opening day of session. The whole body has a say in that vote, but Democrats hold 30 of the 50 seats so their choice is pretty much guaranteed election.

This would be Basinght's ninth term.

Sen. R.C. Soles will once again server as caucus chairman. Word is today is Soles' birthday and they were supposed to have cake to celebrate. But sources inside the meeting say there was no cake - maybe a reflection of the economic times.

Sen. Katie Dorsett, of Greensboro, will once again serve as whip.

When some scruffy reporter types caught up to Basnight after the meeting, he talked about the next year and things the General Assembly has to get into. He cited problems with the probation system along with ongoing problems like mental health reform.

"We're seeing a mismanaged government, that has to be corrected," Basnight said.

He also talked about finding efficiency in government and cutting costs where costs can be cut - sounded darn near like some Republicans I've talked to recently.

House Democrats are meeting as I type. They are expected to chose Hackney as Speaker.