COLUMBIA, MISSOURI -- Missouri Republicans have selected a new party leader, casting out chairman David Cole.
The Republican State Committee voted 34-32 to elect Ed Martin as the new state party chairman Saturday. Martin, of St. Louis, led Republicans' coordinated campaign efforts this fall and lost a bid for attorney general in November. He also served as chief of staff to Gov. Matt Blunt.
Cole is an attorney from Cassville in southwestern Missouri.
Republican leaders met Saturday in Columbia. A Missouri Republican Party spokesman says Martin was elected in the second round of balloting.
Jane Cunningham of Chesterfield also sought the chairmanship.
She did not seek re-election to the state Senate this year after losing her seat during redistricting.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
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