LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Republicans have expanded their majority in the Nebraska Legislature.
The GOP saw a net gain of five seats in Tuesday's election. The new, one-house Legislature that convenes in January will have 35 Republicans, 13 Democrats and one independent.
The new Legislature is expected to be more conservative. New members include the founder of Western Nebraska Taxpayers Association in North Platte and a prominent tea party activist from Crete. Many were elected to fill 17 seats that came open due to term limits.
Nebraska's Legislature doesn't have formal party caucuses or leadership, so it's more difficult for the parties to exert control over senators than it is in other states. Many votes fall along party lines, but coalitions can also form based on regional interests, persuasion of individual senators, and vote-trading.
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