By Marshall Griffin, St. Louis Public Radio
Jefferson City, Mo. – The G.O.P. surge that swept most of the country also appears to have benefitted Republicans in the Missouri General Assembly.
Ten Democrats in the Missouri House were beaten by Republican challengers, while the G.O.P. picked up seven seats held by departing Democrats. It adds up to 106 State House seats for Republicans and 57 for Democrats.
The new G.O.P. caucus has also elected new leaders, choosing Steven Tilley of Perryville as the next Speaker of the House.
"The voters in Missouri sent a very, very strong message," Tilley said. "They want a government that's accountable, they want one that lives within its means, that holds the line on taxes, that encourages economic development so that anyone that wants a job can find one."
Tilley says Democratic Governor Jay Nixon should take into account the wishes of Missourians who voted yesterday.
"Last year, this governor's main issue was eliminating or really dismantling the economic development tools that the House and the Senate in a bipartisan way have created to try and attract jobs," Tilley said. "I think the governor better step back and look at the election results and see if he's on the right track."
Earlier this year, Governor Nixon called for a cap on all tax credits, citing a need to increase education funding.
Meanwhile, Republicans picked up three seats in the Missouri Senate, ousting two incumbent Democrats, Wes Shoemyer and Frank Barnitz, and picking up a seat held by retiring St. Louis Senator Joan Bray.
The additions mean that Senate Republicans now have a large enough majority to override vetoes by the governor.