On January 9, 2008 Senate Democrats elected a new leadeership team that will be headed by new minority leader Ray Miller (D-Columbus) who moves up to the post after a stint as minority whip.

A coalition of Senate Democrats moved to make widespread changes to the caucus leadership team setting the stage for Senator Miller to replace Senator Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) as minority leader.

Leaving the team are Fedor and Tom Roberts (D-Trotwood). Two new members are seated, one being Senator Shirley Smith (D-Cleveland), the new assistant minority leader who replaces Roberts and the other, Senator Capri Cafaro (D-Hubbard) as assistant minority whip replacing Senator Lance Mason (D-Cleveland). Senator Mason is a member of the caucus leadership team and moves from assistant minority whip to minority whip, the position held by Senator Miller.