Republican Lawmakers Say Majority In Lansing Must Unite

By Laura Weber

Republicans at the state Capitol have a bounce in their step after commanding victories in Tuesday's elections. Perhaps the biggest surprise of election night was the Republicans regaining control of the House from a large Democratic majority.

The G.O.P. also picked up even more seats in the Senate, giving them a supermajority.

 "When you get the kind of support that we did on Tuesday night, you also have great expectations coming along with that, says Republican Senator Randy Richardville. "And so we're going to do the best we can to hit the ground running, or at least make sure that we hit the ground first before we start moving."

Richardville is considered a front runner for Senate Majority Leader next year. He thinks Republicans in the Legislature will be able to work well with Republican governor-elect Rick Snyder on his priorities.

But getting everyone in the Republican caucus on the same page will be a challenge, says Pete Lund, the state Representative who led the overall campaign effort for the House Republicans.

"It's not going to be perfect, we're going to be having times when we're going after each other a little bit maybe, but ultimately we all care about the state and I think ultimately we're going to be working with the governor to do what needs to be done to change things," he says.

Meanwhile, Democrats in the Senate implored Republicans to work well with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle next year. Democratic state Senator Deb Cherry says the partisanship has gotten worse over the many years she has been in Lansing.

"Political control for the sake of political control is a disservice to the public, and I hope those of you who are coming back can change that atmosphere to be more inclusive, especially with members of the opposing party," she says. "I know with the results of last night's elections it will be harder, but I hope you rise above it."

Cherry resigned from her Senate seat Wednesday to begin her new elected position as Genesee County treasurer.