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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina's Senate Republicans have re-elected Gaffney Sen. Harvey Peeler as their majority leader.

Peeler was unopposed in Wednesday's election that came on a voice vote.

Peeler has been majority leader since 2005 when Senate Finance Committee Chairman Hugh Leatherman of Florence resigned in a power struggle with Peeler.

Republicans have controlled the Senate since 2000 and have a 27-19 majority.

Peeler said he wanted to wait for an election until after Republican Sen. Greg Gregory was sworn in Tuesday and the Senate's 46 seats were filled.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)