(KCEN) -- John Cornyn was elected as the Senate's minority Whip this morning.
Cornyn is replacing Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona, who is retiring.
After being elected, he said, "I'm honored to have been chosen by my colleagues to help lead our caucus during such a critical time for this country. Core Texas values like hard work, limited government, and individual liberty will continue to guide me in this new role. I look forward to working with the Conference to tackle the major hurdles before us, beginning with the looming fiscal cliff."
The Whip is in charge of counting and corralling votes on legislation being brought to the Senate floor.
This is the number two position behind Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Cornyn said, "This debate presents both an immense challenge and an historic opportunity to come together to do the right thing for the country. I am optimistic the urgency of the moment will bring members of both parties together to avert what would be an economic disaster. Now more than ever this nation needs leaders willing to step up and make the tough choices that are right for our country, not politically expedient for one party."
