Gordon Fox chooses leadership team

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island's House Majority Leader Gordon Fox has selected a leadership team as he campaigns to succeed House Speaker William Murphy, who plans to step down when his term ends in January.

Fox said on Monday said Rep. Nicholas Mattiello of Cranston has agreed to run as majority leader on Fox's slate, which also includes Rep. J. Patrick O'Neil of Pawtucket as whip.

House spokesman Larry Berman said the Democrats have not scheduled a caucus to pick their new leaders. Democrats control all but six of the 75 seats in the House. The caucus can appoint a majority leader and whip, but the entire chamber votes for the House speaker.

Rep. Gregory Schadone and Rep. Stephen Ucci have been running against Fox. Schadone said Monday that it appears Fox has the votes to win.