(JUNEAU)- The House Majority Caucus elected Rep. John Coghill (R- Fairbanks) as Majority Leader for the 23rd Legislature. Coghill was first elected to the House in 1998. The third-term representative says he can add strength to the leadership as a team builder as well as a team leader.

"My political philosophy brings positive strength and conviction to the leadership's priorities," Coghill said. "I bring a respect for the system and the institution of our government, our rules and the people who put them together."

The Fairbanks representative chaired the State Affairs Committee during the last legislature and has been a member of the Health, Education, and Social Services Committee since the 21st Legislature. He also served on the Judiciary Committee and the Special Committee on Fisheries.

"I am very proactive and very principled," Coghill said.

Representative-elect Mike Hawker (R- Anchorage) will take Coghill's place on the Finance Committee. And Representative-elect Ralph Samuels (R-Anchorage) will replace Hawker on the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee.

For more information contact House Majority Press Secretary J.D. Wallace at 465-5369.

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01-19-03: Newly selected House Majority Leader Representative John Coghill (R - Fairbanks) discusses what he will bring to the position and the new House leadership.

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