Dems unanimously back Paiva Weed, Ruggerio

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Democrats in the Rhode Island Senate have voted unanimously to give Teresa Paiva Weed another term as Senate President.

The Democrats caucused Thursday at the Statehouse to pick leaders for 2013 and 2014.

Paiva Weed's nomination for Senate President must be approved by the full Senate on the first day of the session. But Democrats hold 32 of 38 Senate seats, so the vote will be a formality.

Paiva Weed's selection was never in doubt. The Newport Democrat was the only nominee, and copies of her acceptance speech were distributed to reporters before the vote was even held.

The group re-elected Sen. Dominick Ruggerio as Majority Leader.

House Democrats plan to meet Friday at a local Chinese restaurant to select leaders and nominate House Speaker Gordon Fox for another term.