Senate Democrats reelected Lansford Sen. David O'Connell to his fourth term as minority leader on Sunday night.

O'Connell, who was first elected to the House in 1982 and later to the Senate in 1988, defeated Bismarck Sen. Tracy Potter, who was first elected to the chamber in 2006.

Democrats also re-elected Fargo Sen. Carolyn Nelson as assistant minority leader.

Potter announced last week that he would challenge O'Connell for the leadership post, saying he would be a new voice for the Democratic caucus.

Some of O'Connell's priorities for next session include property tax relief as well as positioning Democrats for a majority for the 2010 election.

"That's always been my goal, to get this caucus into the majority," O'Connell said.

Senate Democrats will enter the 2009 session in the minority, trailing the Republicans 26-21.

In light of the slumping economy, O'Connell also said building a healthy reserve also tops his priorities list.

"I don't want to see the money spent down to nothing," O'Connell said. "Maybe I'm too conservative being a Democrat but I really believe we have to keep something in the bank too."

Bismarck Sen. Bob Stenehjem will continue to preside as majority leader this session. Fargo Rep. Al Carlson was also elected House leader, where the GOP leads 58-36. Rolette Rep. Merle Boucher will continue his post as House minority leader.

Lawmakers will take their oaths of office today, beginning a three-day pre-session that ends on Wednesday when Gov. John Hoeven presents his budget proposal.