The new, thinner state Senate Republican caucus has returned former minority leader David Brinkley, of Frederick County, to its leadership team, dropping Harford County Sen. Nancy Jacobs from the minority whip post.

In caucus elections Tuesday, Sen. Allan Kittleman of Howard County held onto the minority leader post, which he has held for the past two legislative sessions. Brinkley was the top Republican in the Senate during the 2007 and 2008 sessions, but did not seek a return to the post for the following year. In a widely publicized incident in 2008, police responded to a domestic disturbance at his home. No criminal charges were ever filed.

"I have enough to deal with personally," he told the Frederick News-Post at the time. "When things are sufficiently addressed in those areas, then I can pursue [the position] again if I choose."

The Republicans voted for only two leadership positions. The whip is the lower of the two, and is largely responsible for helping round up votes for or against legislation.

Brinkley's addition gives the Republicans a leadership voice on the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, which makes many crucial decisions on the state budget. This year, he was the only Senate Republican appointed by President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. to the powerful budget conference committee, which negotiates differences between the House and Senate on the state's operating budget.

Republicans will need to leverage their negotiation strengths next year, after losing two seats in the November election. The caucus now holds 12 seats in the 47-member body.