BOSTON -- The House Republican caucus re-elected state Rep. Brad Jones as minority leader on Tuesday by a narrow nine to seven vote, according to Jones' office.

"I am very anxious to get working on what I am sure will be a very challenging legislative session.  I am honored that my colleagues have entrusted me to lead them through the tough economic and fiscal times our state is facing," Jones, or North Reading, said in a statement immediately after the vote.  "There is a lot of work to be done and I am looking forward to moving the Commonwealth in the right direction by encouraging fiscal responsibility on Beacon Hill."

Jones, who has been minority leader for three terms, was challenged by state Rep. Lewis Evangelidis shortly after the November election, in which the GOP caucus shrank from 19 members to 16. Evangelidis courted the members of his caucus by arguing that change was needed. But even though the caucus appeared to be evenly divided initially, Jones was able to secure nine votes fairly quickly.

Looking ahead, Jones focused on the state's current economic problems.

"The continuous mismanagement of taxpayer dollars throughout several of the state's agencies, combined with multiple cases of unethical behavior have helped cast a dark cloud over Beacon Hill," he said. "As minority leader, I will continue to work with each and every member to restore the public's confidence in elected officials while simultaneously pushing my colleagues to be fiscally responsible in these hard economic times."