Senate Republicans put the rubber stamp on Texas Senator John Cornyn's bid to head the National Republican Senatorial Committee this cycle, rounding out the party's uncontested leadership elections for the 111th Congress.

Republicans kept Mitch McConnell, Jon Kyl and Lamar Alexander in their positions as top party leaders, while John Ensign moved from the NRSC to serve as Policy Committee chair. South Dakota Senator John Thune moves to fifth on the leadership ladder as vice chairman.

Cornyn was expected to face Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman, but Coleman dropped his expected bid as he continues to face a statewide recount in his race for re-election. Cornyn will lead the NRSC in recruiting and assisting campaigns in at least 35 states in which voters will cast Senate ballots.

The Texan, who has been angling for the job most of the year, tapped top aide Rob Jesmer to serve as executive director of the Republican campaign arm. Jesmer has been a regional political director for the RNC, the National Field Director for the NRCC and as Cornyn's campaign manager.