Burr in the running for high GOP Senate post

In 3rd-ranked position, he'd lead party conference

WASHINGTON (MEDIA GENERAL NEWS SERVICE) - When it comes to selecting its leaders, the U.S. Senate has generally mimicked a race for student-government president: Freshmen need not apply.

Don’t tell that to Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C.

Halfway through his first term, Burr hopes that his Republican colleagues will make him the third-ranking Republican official in the Senate during a closed-door vote Thursday. Burr is running for chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, a position that would give him a key role in shaping the party’s message.