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The West Virginia State Capitol at night
[AP]

West Virginia Republicans Choose Legislative Leaders

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – The Republican majorities in West Virginia’s Legislature have chosen Sen. Mitch Carmichael to be the new Senate president next year and Delegate Tim Armstead to return as speaker of the House of Delegates.

Both say that measures supporting businesses and jobs will lead next year’s agenda, while acknowledging concerns about state budget deficits they’ll face.

The Senate Republicans increased their majority in the November elections with 22 senators compared to 12 Democrats.

In the House of Delegates, Republicans lost one seat but have a 63-37 majority.

Carmichael and Armstead say they hope to find common ground with Gov.-elect Jim Justice, a Democrat.

Both say they hope to advance measures like those enacted in the last two years with Republican legislative majorities like limits on court damage claims.