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Sen. Phil Berger, an Eden Republican who represents parts of Guilford County and all of Rockingham County, will serve a third two-year term as his party's leader in the Senate.

Democrats hold a 30-20 advantage in the chamber next session, so Berger will once again be minority leader, leading the opposition in a chamber his party hasn't won for the past century.

"We're going to try to do those things we've been successful at," Berger said after the election. "One of them being, we are communicating our position."

Berger said that Republicans would sharpen their message this year and provide specific counterproposals to what they see as missteps by Democratic leaders.

With Republicans next year only holding two of ten state offices elected at large - commissioner of Agriculture and Labor commissioner - Berger is one of the most prominent GOP voices in North Carolina.

Sen. Harry Brown of Jacksonville will be the Republican's deputy leader. Sen. Jerry Tillman, who represents Randolph and Montgomery counties, will be the Republican whip, a position responsible for counting votes.

Senate Democrats have not chosen their leaders for next session yet. However, Sen. Marc Basnight of Dare County told Scoop recently he planned to run again, and his chances of retaining his post are considered very good. Basnight has led his chamber's Democrats for 16 years and is widely regarded wielding influence rivaling that of the governor.

Meanwhile, in the House,

Rep. Paul "Skip" Stam, a Wake County Republican, retained his post as House minority leader. Rep. Thom Tillis of Mecklenburg County will be the Republican whip.

Democrats in the House have yet to choose their leaders, but House Speaker Joe Hackney of Orange, Chatham and Moore counties is widely expected to keep the top job.

Democrats in the House and Senate are scheduled to pick their top leaders on Dec. 17.

Amazing voice

You know, T. Dianne Bellamy-Small can sing.

Who knew? We at Scoop didn't. Yet, there she was last week during the ground breaking for the new McGirt-Horton Library off Phillips Avenue.

She wasn't even slated to sing. But when the person scheduled to sing didn't make it, Bellamy-Small pulled the hymnal she keeps in her van and sang in a beautiful alto voice three verses of "Amazing Grace.''

She had help. At least three dozen kids from Baby's World Daycare sang with the Greensboro City Council member. But like Bellamy-Small, it was a surprise. They had no idea they were scheduled to sing.

Especially "Amazing Grace.''

Says Christina Ford, 9: "I thought we were going to do 'Here Comes Santa Claus.'"

Says Yeshaya Coltrane, 9: "I don't even know the second verse of 'Amazing Grace.' I can play it on violin, but I sure can't sing it. And I was nervous. Just a whole bunch of people and a news reporter. So, what are they going to build there?''

A very cool library, Yeshaya.

Common Causes

The North Carolina chapter of Common Cause honored two Greensboro groups during the weekend at its annual shindig to recognize those who help advance the cause of democracy.

N.C. A&T's student chapter of Common Cause got a nod for helping with voter registration and engagement efforts during the fall campaign.

Greensboro Citizens for Clean Elections, a group advocating public financing of City Council elections, will also be honored.

Staff writers Mark Binker and Jeri Rowe contributed.