Update 1/10/13 10:36 a.m.: Capitol Bureau Correspondent Karen DeWitt caught up with Joe Morelle after the State of the State address. Listen Here:
22 years after stepping into State Capitol as an Assemblyman, Joe Morelle (D-Irondequoit) finds himself as the majority leader, appointed to the position on Wednesday.
The former Monroe County legislator was elected to the Assembly in 1990 and currently serves as chair of the Insurance Committee. He also holds positions on the Ways and Means, Rules, Economic Development, and Higher Education committees.
"I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as Majority Leader of this great Body, and greatful to Speaker [Sheldon] Silver for his friendship and extraordinary leadership," Morelle said in a written statement announcing his appointment. "I look forward to the year ahead and to working hard on behalf of all New Yorkers."