The AJC reports that Sen. David Shafer (R-Duluth) beat Sen. Bill Cowsert (R-Athens) in a caucus election for president pro tem, the top leadership position in the Senate.

Shafer is widely viewed as allied with Gov. Nathan Deal and Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, while Cowsert is on the side of outgoing President Pro Tem Tommie Williams (R-Lyons) and other senators who stripped Cagle of his power two years ago. Jim Galloway says senators will try to change the chamber's rules next month to restore Cagle's authority.

Another of the anti-Cagle senators, Majority Leader Chip Rogers, withdrew his candidacy. Sen. Ronnie Chance (R-Tyrone) was elected instead.

Sen. Cecil Staton (R-Macon) was re-elected majority whip, the No. 4 position. It's unclear if Cowsert remains caucus chairman, the No. 3 spot.