The Hill News

Senate Republicans named Sen. John Barrasso (Wyo.) as vice chairman of the Senate GOP Conference on Wednesday, adding him to their leadership team.

The conference elected Barrasso to take the spot last held by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), who was stripped of that position after deciding to pursue an independent, write-in bid for reelection after losing a Republican primary.

“I’d like to welcome Senator Barrasso to the Senate Republican leadership team," said Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). "He’s one of our hardest-working members, and, like Senator Cliff Hansen before him and Senator Enzi now, he continues Wyoming’s strong history of leadership on behalf of their state and country."

Barrasso had been particularly active for the GOP during the healthcare fight, making a name for himself since winning office in a special election in mid-2007.

Murkowski was allowed by Republicans to keep her top GOP spot on the ! Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, a mild surprise since Republicans were seen as likely to put Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) in that slot.