AZ Senate president shakes up ranks

PHOENIX - There's a shake up in the majority Republicans' leadership ranks in the state Senate in the wake of budget-related differences.

Senate President Bob Burns of Peoria says he is replacing Sen. Thayer Verschoor of Gilbert with Sen. Steve Pierce of Prescott as Senate president pro tem.

Another change announced Wednesday is Burns' removal of Majority Whip Pam Gorman of Anthem as a Rules Committee member.

Verschoor and Gorman were among three Republican leaders who voted against Burns in a committee vote on legislation to submit Gov. Jan Brewer's proposed sales tax increase to voters.

The other Republican who voted against Burns was Majority Leader Chuck Gray of Mesa. Burns says they can still work together.