AUGUSTA -- In an unexpected move, the Senate Republicans replaced their leaders this afternoon.

Sen. Kevin Raye (R-Perry) defeated current Republican leader Carol Weston (R-Montville).

After several were nominated, Sen. Jon Courtney (R-Sanford) was elected assistant leader unopposed.

The Republican caucus was held off-site and was closed to the press. Nobody asked would reveal what the vote was.

Raye said the caucus needed new energy and optimism in their leaders, and said there were "a number of factors at play" in his decision to challenge Weston.

"It's always the most difficult of races," Raye said. "We (the Republican caucus) are a family, and we have great respect for each other."

He said he aims to be collaborative, work well with the caucus' counterparts and allow for everybody to be engaged.

Rosen said he and Weston were a team, so he opted not to run once she was defeated. "Sen. Weston and I rose as a team, and we stand as a team," he said.

He said new leadership was elected out of a desire for a change in style. "That's what leadership races are all about," he said.

Weston agreed that leadership was replaced because of a desire for a new direction.