Some leadership positions and committee chairs may be determined as early as this week when caucuses meet.

Several positions are open, while others are inviting unexpected challenges. Rep. Miloscia (D-Federal Way) announced via a press release that he would seek the position of House Speaker. Though a long shot, it is one of many decisions that legislators will need to make prior to session. 

House
Newly elected and re-elected Democratic representatives face the need to fill several key leadership positions and several more committee chairs.

Among the top leadership positions will be House Majority Leader, Ways & Means Chair and Caucus Chair.

Several members have already thrown their hat in the ring for the position of House Majority Leader. Among the members include Rep. Hudgins the current floor leader, Rep. Morris the current Speaker Pro Tempore, Rep. Sullivan who has been a leader on budget and education issues, Rep. Springer who has been a liaison between the House Democrats and labor groups, Rep. Seaquist a long-time policymaker, and unofficially Rep. Dunshee the current Chair of the House Capital Committee.

On the other side of the aisle, Republican leadership is expected to look much the same as in prior years. Current House Minority Leader Richard DeBolt hopes to keep his position in the new Legislature.

Senate
It appears that much of the top leaders in the Senate will retain their positions in the new Legislature. Senate Democrats have already reinstated Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown for the 2011 session. In addition, Senate Minority Leader Mike Hewitt is hopeful that he will keep his position.

There is some speculation that a change may be in the works with regard to leadership roles on the Senate Ways & Means Committee. Sen. Prentice has declined to reveal her plans regarding her run again as Chair of the budget committee. In addition, other senators have informally expressed interest in the position.