COLUMBIA (WACH, AP) -- South Carolina's House of Representatives met to elect a speaker and other officers.
During the two day organizational session House members will pick seats, adopt rules and hold elections.
House Speaker Bobby Harrell was re-elected speaker by an overwhelming vote of 112 to 5. This will be the Charleston Republican's third full term.
"Democracy is noisy, and it should be," Harrell said in his acceptance speech. "The members of this body represent your constituents’ interests with passion and enthusiasm. Passing laws and reforming government isn’t easy. It takes great effort, leadership, and most importantly, a willingness to work together."
Harrell's challenger was Rock Hill Republican Rep. Ralph Norman.
Hartsville Republican Jay Lucas appears to be unopposed for House's second ranking position as speaker pro tem.
Twenty newly elected representatives were also sworn in Wednesday morning.
On Thursday, House members will get committee assignments.
The session begins for the House and Senate in January.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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