DENVER, Colo. — Colorado's next Senate minority leader ripped Democrats today, saying with them in charge, “We've had an assault on freedom within our state.”

Sen. Mike Kopp, R-Littleton, made his remarks after he was unanimously elected minority leader. He takes over after the session ends, which is scheduled for May 12.

He was nominated by Sen. Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield, who called Kopp “a strong leader for Republican philosophy” with a “strong and gentle demeanor at the same time.”

Kopp succeeds Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry, who plans to resign his leadership post at the end of the session to manage Jane Norton's U.S. Senate campaign.

Kopp had been the caucus chairman. The new caucus chair will be Sen. Bill Cadman, R-Colorado Springs.

Before Kopp talked to the caucus, he noted all the work Penry has done for the Senate Republicans. “Thanks for giving so much time away from your family,” Kopp said.

Kopp pointed to various Democratic measures this year, including the elimination of tax credits and limits on the payday lending industry.

“This session we're reminded again why Colorado has got to have a Colorado Renaissance,” he said.

Kopp, who was first elected in 2006, also said Democrats refused to work in a bipartisan manner, which brought eye-rolling from those who knew what the Capitol was like under Republican control.

Democrats captured control of the legislature in the 2004 election – a feat not since the 1960 election. Republicans believe they have a chance of taking back the legislature this election.

Penry, who will remain on as a senator until his term expires in January, had some advice for his caucus.

He said when Republicans take back the majority they shouldn't behave like the GOP in Washington when it was in charge, or like the Democrats in Colorado now are doing.

“When you do get the big gavel, remember why you ran in the first place,” Penry said, adding they shouldn't lose “track of what matters.”