mike_bennett_web.jpgTALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) _ Incoming Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos has named his two top lieutenants.

Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, on Tuesday selected Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, as Senate president pro tempore, second in command.

He picked Sen. Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, as majority leader.

He will head a 28-member Republican caucus, the largest either party has had in 25 years. There will be only 12 Democrats left in the Senate.

Haridopolos will officially take over when the Legislature holds it postelection reorganization session next Tuesday.