Newly re-elected state Sen. Jake Corman, R-Bellefonte, confirmed yesterday that he is running for Senate majority leader.

Corman said if elected, he hoped to continue representing his district and alma mater.

A Penn State graduate, Corman said he will continue to support the university.

The position of majority leader runs the Senate floor and creates the listing of legislation to be voted on, Corman said.

Corman, who was re-elected in the midterm election, said he first considered the position when it became clear the previous majority leader, Sen. David Brightbill, R-Chester, would not be re-elected.

According to the Pennsylvania Senate Web site, voters added five new members to the Senate Republican Caucus -- retaining their majority 29-21.

Corman will run against Sen. Dominic Pileggi, R-Chester.

A vote will take place on Monday within the 29-member Republican caucus, which will decide who will receive the leadership position, Corman said.

Corman said his brief campaign will consist of asking his fellow caucus members for support.

"It's just two good friends running for the same seat," he said.

Centre County Republicans chairman G.T. Thompson said he supports Corman for the position.

"Sen. Corman has been there two terms and has done extremely well, not only for his constituents, but for Penn State," he said.

Thompson said he is confident Corman can perform the duties that are required for the leadership position.

College Democrats press secretary Eliot Schmidt said Corman as majority leader would benefit the local area.

"By the nature of politics, just having a representative in leadership from your district will give your area a little more attention," he said.

College Republicans President Todd Taylor agreed that a Corman victory would be beneficial.

"[The majority leader] determines the agenda...if your area is spotlighted on the agenda, it looks really good," he said.