By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, Mo. – The Missouri General Assembly kicked off the 2007 session Wednesday.
The first day was mostly ceremonial for the State Senate, but Democrats fired an opening salvo in what could turn into another contentious session.
Democratic Senator Tim Green, D-Spanish Lake, cast the only "no" vote when Republican Michael Gibbons, R-Kirkwood, was elected Senate President Pro-Tem.
Green said Gibbons and other GOP leaders failed to maintain professional decorum during last year's heated debates over voter identification.
After the opening session, Gibbons defended the way the GOP has run the Senate since regaining the majority.
"I spent more time in the minority than the majority," Gibbons said. "The days of Bob Griffin and having a boot on your throat during the legislative process have never been experienced over here by the minority members."
Gibbons said Senator Green is entitled to his opinion.