This is Laetitia Thompson for Missouri Capitol Caucus.
As the nation grapples with deciding who will become the next president, the Missouri senate found itself facing a similiar problem.
Following the election, the Senate split evenly, 17 to 17, between Democrats and Republicans.
But it might not stay that way for long.
Three senators won other political seats in Congress and within the state government, which means they will have to leave the chamber by early January.
The timing of their departure could give the Republicans at least temporary control of the Senate for the first time in 53 years.
In the wake of such a close election, Democrat governor-elect Bob Holden gave a speech asking for bipartisanship in the legislature.
But as Holden's spoke, Republican senators chose one of their most conservative members to lead their charge.
Cape Giradeau Senator Peter Kinder is not a middle of the road kind of guy, but says he will try to get along with the Democrats.
St. Louis Senator Betty Sims, a much more moderate Republican, says Kinder's leadership sends a definate message to the Democrats.
Kinder says he will probably try to take control of the Senate if given the opportunity and that has the Democrats scrambling.
Even if the Republicans take control of the Senate temporarily, Democrats could lose key posts... like the leadership of the senate chamber, committee chairs, and even appointment confirmations made by the new governor.
Its a logistical and tactical mess that's keeping the Democrats from electing new leaderhip...something Kinder says must happen before he will make a move.
The Democrats are expected to elect their leadership within the next week.
From Jefferson City, I'm Laetitia Thompson.