BEACON HILL: New State Senate President on Horizon

Under Senate term limit rules, Senate President Therese Murray must give up the position of Senate President in March 2015. Last week, a relatively bloodless behind-the-scenes battle to capture the Senate's top prize concluded. Sen. Stanley Rosenberg (D-Amherst) announced that he has enough votes to be elected by the Democratic caucus to lead the upper chamber. Current Ways and Means chairman Sen. Stephen Brewer (D-Barre) was also vying for the coveted position but has conceded to Rosenberg.

Rosenberg, the 63-year-old current President Tempore, has served in the Legislature since 1987. He would become the state's first Jewish and openly gay Senate President.