Going into her first full term in the Oregon House of Representatives, District 16 Rep. Sara Gelser has been elected assistant majority leader for policy.

Gelser will assist newly elected Majority Leader Dave Hunt in formulating party policy in the state House, maintaining relationships with political allies and identifying opportunities to pass bills that advance the party's platform.

"She's going to be the point person in the leadership for helping develop policy, move policy forward," said Russ Kelley, communications director for the House Democratic caucus.

Gelser, an unsuccessful candidate for the District 16 seat in 2004, was appointed last year to fill the unexpired term of Rep. Kelley Wirth, who resigned after a drug charge and an ethics complaint. Gelser was won election last Tuesday.

Rep. Peter Buckley of Ashland was elected to the other assistant majority leader position, which deals with political matters.