Here’s a news item from the Associated Press: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Republican state Sen. Shawn Keough of Sandpoint has been appointed to co-chair Idaho's powerful budget-setting committee. President Pro Tem Brent Hill of Rexburg on Monday announced that Keough will replace former Sen. Dean Cameron of Rupert, who left the Idaho Legislature earlier this year to lead the state Department of Insurance. Keough has served 20 years in the Idaho Statehouse, making her the longest serving female senator in Idaho's history. Keough has also served on the joint budget-setting committee since 2000. She will join Republican Rep. Maxine Bell of Jerome in leading the legislative panel.

Hill also released a list of changes on Senate committees, while noting that it is subject to change. It shows that Keough, who had been the Senate Finance vice chair, will have Sen. Dan Johnson, R-Lewiston, as her new vice chairman. It also shows that Sen. Jim Patrick, R-Twin Falls, will be the new chair of the Senate Commerce & Human Resources Committee, replacing former Sen. John Tippets, R-Montpelier, who is now director of the state Department of Environmental Quality; Patrick had been vice-chair on that panel. You can see the full list here.