 At the time of his nomination as President Pro Tempore, Shafer was vice chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus.He served as chairman of the Senate Science and Technology Committee from 2003 to 2006 and as chairman of the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee from 2006 until his election as President Pro Tem.He also served as an administration floor leader for Governor Sonny Perdue from 2003 to 2004.