Burr loses Senate leadership vote

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans today chose Lamar Alexander of Tennessee to be their third-ranking leader, turning aside North Carolina Senator Richard Burr.

Alexander was elected chairman of the Republican Conference in a secret ballot vote in a closed meeting.

He replaces Arizona Senator Jon Kyle, who was unopposed in moving up to the second highest post of Republican whip. Kyl replaces Mississippi Senator Trent Lott, who is resigning from the Senate.

Burr is considered more conservative than Alexander.

Alexander was elected to the Senate in 2002 after two terms as Tennessee governor and a stint as U.S. secretary of education.

Burr was elected in 2004, after 10 years in the House.

Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell remains the Senate Republican leader.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)