Sen. Mike Parson, R-Bolivar, will seek the nomination to serve as Senate Majority Floor Leader for the upcoming legislative session in January 2013. The leadership elections for the Missouri Senate will be held in November following the General Election.

“Republicans hold unprecedented majorities in both the House and Senate, yet we struggled this year to advance conservative ideas to completion,” said Sen. Parson. “The voters of this state have made very clear what they want to see us accomplish and it is past time for us to deliver.”

Among several duties, the Senate Majority Floor Leader sets the schedule of bills up for consideration by the full body, the time allotted for floor debate on legislation, and the meeting times and dates of the Missouri Senate.

“It is my desire to use this position to bring back the civility and deliberative nature the Missouri Senate once prided itself on,” said Sen. Parson. “Public service is a noble calling, yet we are now in a time where voters view politicians with something close to disdain. I want to use my remaining time in office to change that perception. The public expects us to work together to solve problems, and there is no reason for us to not be able to do that.”

As a freshman senator during the 96th General Assembly, Sen. Parson was successful in helping to bring resolutions to several high-profile issues. In 2011, Sen. Parson worked to negotiate a compromise surrounding “Proposition B,” and in 2012, he was instrumental in helping senators find common ground on an issue that threatened to derail budget negations between the House and the Senate.

Senator Parson served as Senate Majority Whip for the 96th General Assembly, which recently adjourned on May 18 and served as vice chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources Committee and the Senate Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee.