Former Kerry backer to be NH Senate President

A former supporter of John Kerry’s presidential bid in 2004 will become the new state senate president in New Hampshire, while a John Edwards supporter will become the new majority leader.

Sylvia Larsen of Concord was elected by her colleagues Tuesday to lead the state senate during the next legislative session. Joe Foster of Nashua will serve as the senate's majority Leader.

As a result of last week's elections, Democrats took over the New Hampshire senate majority for the first time since 1998.

Larsen has served as the minority leader for the past four years. Even so, she was challenged for the presidency by Senator Lou D’Allesandro.

Also Tuesday, Republicans said current senate president Ted Gatsas will become the next minority leader. This assumes Gatsas will survive a recount set for next week. He won by fewer than 400 votes.

During his last bid for the presidency, Kerry often referred to Larsen as his earliest supporter. This time around Larsen has said she remains uncommitted. Foster, on the other hand, remains firmly behind another John Edwards run for president.