Phil Berger (R-Eden) was unanimously elected as Senate Minority Leader, the job held by Jim Forrester (R-Gaston) since Patrick Ballantine resigned last April.“I’m excited about this opportunity,” Berger said. “My colleagues have expressed confidence in my ability to articulate our conservative message and to provide new focus to our efforts in the General Assembly.”Democrats hold a 29-21 lead in the state Senate after picking up a net gain of two seats on Election Day, despite Senate Republicans winning more than half the statewide vote.“We understand we’re in the minority, Berger said. “The Governor and legislative Democrats could adopt rules and...