POSTED: January 7, 2013 --- 2:20 p.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus is back in his home state of Wisconsin to watch his friend take over as speaker of the state Assembly.

Priebus is the former Wisconsin state party chairman and personal friend of state Rep. Robin Vos. Vos is set to take over as speaker of the Assembly on Monday.

Priebus grew up in Kenosha and Vos is from nearby Racine. Priebus says they first met in high school through Republican Party channels and got to know each other better when they attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater together.

Vos is taking over as speaker after former Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald did not seek another term. Republicans have a 59-39 majority in the Assembly.

Copyright 2013: Associated Press