JEFFERSON CITY - In the wake of massive Republican gains statewide on election night, Democrats elected Rep. Mike Talboy, D-Jackson County, on Thursday to serve as the House Minority Leader.

"It is a wave that came through, a national environment, and I think just like a lot of things Missouri is a bellweather state for that national environment," Talboy said. "I don't think we have any reason to think that it is a national mood that swept over the country." 

Talboy said that both sides of the aisle have been "raucous" at times, but Missouri will see a much more professional caucus now. 

"I think we are going to see some settling out," he said.

With talk of a new jobs package having circulated in the state during the campaign season and prior, Talboy said that the issue will be his main concern for the legislative session.

"Jobs are the No.1 priority for me and everybody in my caucus," Talboy said. "We want to make sure that we take a look at making sure that we have the best quality education for our kids and that we make sure we are using sound economic principals as far as dealing with the budget deficit."