Senators Elect Ron Richard as Senate Majority Leader

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11/ 7/2012: Newspaper Story - Mo. House Speaker challenges Nixon veto power with new majority

11/ 7/2012: Radio Story - Mo. House speaker: Gov. Nixon will need to do "true, actual negotiation" with GOP lawmakers

Intro:	After only serving two years in the Missouri Senate, a former state House Speaker has been chosen to serve as the Senate's Republican Floor Leader.
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Wrap: Missouri Republican Senators selected Senator Ron Richard of Joplin as the Republican floor leader.

Richard was elected into the Senate just two years ago, and before that served as the Speaker of the House for two years.

Republicans chose Senator Tom Dempsey as the chamber's next President Pro Tem.

He says the senators will caucus behind closed doors next week to discuss their goals.

Actuality:	DEMPS9.WAV
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Description: "I have my own ideas and other members have theirs so before they can be our ideas we really need to go through that process."

Republicans hold veto-proof majorities in both chambers.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Taylor Beck.

Intro:	Senate President Pro Tem to be takes a softer stance than House Speaker Tim Jones' challenge to Governor Jay Nixon.
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Wrap: Senators selected Senator Tom Dempsey of St. Charles as the President Pro Tem.

Dempsey took a softer stance than Republican House Speaker Tim Jones' on using their majority against Governor Jay Nixon in a press conference.

The day after the general election, Jones said he is willing to work with Nixon but will use his caucus' power if necessary.

Dempsey expressed some frustration but says he plans to successfully work with Nixon next session.

Actuality:	DEMPS7.WAV
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Description: "So we've had a lot of discussion but never was it what do we need to do to ensure a veto override."

Dempsey says the senate will caucus next week to discuss their agenda behind closed doors.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Taylor Beck.

Intro:	Senate President Pro Tem takes a softer stance than House Speaker Tim Jones' challenge to the governor.
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Wrap: Senate President Pro Tem to be Tom Dempsey took a softer stance than House Speaker Tim Jones' challenge to Governor Jay Nixon.

The day after the general election Jones said he is willing to work with Nixon but will use the newfound veto-proof majority against him if necessary.

Dempsey says he is willing to work with Nixon next session.

Actuality:	DEMPS4.WAV
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Description: "We'll encourage the governor to communicate with us and we'll certainly extend my hand and uh to communicate with him so that these priorities that are so critical to the state of Missouri are accomplished."

Dempsey says the senate's failings last session were not only with the governor's office.

He says a working relationship with the House will be critical in 2013 session as well.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Taylor Beck.