Stivers says Senate GOP's principles will remain, style will be different; Lays out priorities for 2013

As Republican Senate floor leader, Sen. Robert Stivers of Manchester, was the presumed next-in-line for the Senate presidency upon David Williams departure to take a judgeship.

But Stivers faces a challenge from independent Sen. Bob Leeper of Paducah, which gives the internal contest a challenger-versus-incumbent feel to it. And while Leeper is running as the change agent, Stivers is stressing stability.

“It will continue to operate in a smooth and efficient manner … Our principles are the same the day before as the day after David Williams left,” Stivers said (0:10).

Stivers outlined several reasons why he thinks Leeper will be at a disadvantage as an independent. (2:00-3:20)

He also outlined what he expected to be the biggest difference in leadership styles, which includes “more people speaking” publicly for the caucus (0:30), whether he prefers a secret ballot or show-of-hands vote during the caucus leadership elections (1:40) and what the Republican Senate caucus’ priorities will be (4:40).

In the 2013 session, Stivers said he wants to see the legislature deal with ways to shore up the public employee pension system and take steps to stabilize the rough transition into managed care of the Medicaid system. He also answered questions about whether he expects tax reform to be addressed in 2013 (6:10) or expanded gambling (8:15).

Stivers also said if he defeats Leeper in the leadership race, he didn’t expect to replace Leeper as Appropriations and Revenue Committee chairman.