It's official. Republicans in the Vermont House of Representatives elected Rep. John Morley, R-Barton, as their assistant leader in a unanimous vote this morning.

Morley replaces Rep. Patricia McDonald, R-Berlin, who stepped down from leadership to devote more time to a run for the state senate.

Morley's colleagues praised his ability to work with people of all political persuasions.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," Morley said after the vote. "We have a ton of work to do," he said. While much of his new job takes place within the Statehouse, Morley said, "You are going to see John Morley start recruiting."

"We need to be thinking about this coming election right now," Morley explained. "We really need to win back some seats. It is all about the numbers."

-- Nancy Remsen