Moving on up. Sen. Bob Duff of Norwalk becomes Senate majority leader

bobdGood things come to those who wait, especially for legislative veterans such as Sen. Bob Duff and Majority Leader Martin Looney of New Haven. In a vote today, the 21-member majority voted to make Looney the powerful Senate President Pro Tempore, taking over from the retiring Don Williams. And Duff was voted majority leader. “I am honored and grateful for the support and confidence of the Senate Democratic Caucus, Looney said in a statement. ” I look forward to working with the members of our caucus, with Governor Malloy and with Republicans of good will in continuing our efforts to create jobs, expand economic opportunity and fight on behalf of middle-income families.” Looney has been majority leader since 2003.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by the support of my peers in the State Senate,” said Duff, who won election to his sixth two-year term on Tuesday.  “I am looking forward to working with Senate President Looney and my Democratic colleagues to make Connecticut an even better place to live, work and raise a family.  The opportunity to lead the caucus would not have been possible without the support and faith of my constituents in Norwalk and Darien, so I thank them as well.”

On the Republican side, Sen. Len Fasano of North Haven, will replace John McKinney of Fairfield, when the Legislature kicks off the 2015 session on January 7.