Arkansas State Senators Say They Can Work Together
By: Adam Rodriguez, KARK 4 News
Updated: November 7, 2012
As Republicans enjoy their historic moment after election night, Democrats say it's going to take some bipartisan cooperation to get things done.
This is the first time Republicans have gained a majority in the legislature since President Johnson.
Not LBJ, but Andrew Johnson.
Senator Randy Laverty has high praise for the incoming class of legislators, and says they're ready to sit in these chairs.
"They're intelligent. They've got good backgrounds," he said. "When you become an Arkansas State Senator, you join one the most institutionally elite organizations in the state."
But the term-limited Democrat hopes the new Republican majority continues to embrace the senate's tradition of reaching across the aisle.
"They're mature enough to understand they may have differences in philosophy, political affiliation, without it destroying their ability to work together for positive ends," he said.
On the other end of the capitol, Republican House Leader Bruce Westerman could hardly contain his enthusiasm about his party's big gains in Tuesday night's election.
"It's never happened in any of our lifetimes, 138 years, for sure," he said.
With the outcome of at least one race still in question, it isn't clear whether either party will claim a majority in the house, but Westerman is pleased that he'll be seeing more friendly faces on the floor.
"There's a little bit of newness to it and working through the transition, but all's going to work out, and we're going to move forward," Westerman said.
A sentiment echoed by Laverty.
"These 35 Arkansans will have a sense of respect for each other that lets the senate continue to operate like the State Senate of Arkansas has, and hopefully makes the State of Arkansas proud," Laverty said.
Thursday is a big day in the senate, as new lawmakers will draw for seniority and make committee assignments.
More importantly, they'll draw to see who's serving two-year and four-year terms, thanks to legislative redistricting.
This is the first time Republicans have gained a majority in the legislature since President Johnson.
Not LBJ, but Andrew Johnson.
Senator Randy Laverty has high praise for the incoming class of legislators, and says they're ready to sit in these chairs.
"They're intelligent. They've got good backgrounds," he said. "When you become an Arkansas State Senator, you join one the most institutionally elite organizations in the state."
But the term-limited Democrat hopes the new Republican majority continues to embrace the senate's tradition of reaching across the aisle.
"They're mature enough to understand they may have differences in philosophy, political affiliation, without it destroying their ability to work together for positive ends," he said.
On the other end of the capitol, Republican House Leader Bruce Westerman could hardly contain his enthusiasm about his party's big gains in Tuesday night's election.
"It's never happened in any of our lifetimes, 138 years, for sure," he said.
With the outcome of at least one race still in question, it isn't clear whether either party will claim a majority in the house, but Westerman is pleased that he'll be seeing more friendly faces on the floor.
"There's a little bit of newness to it and working through the transition, but all's going to work out, and we're going to move forward," Westerman said.
A sentiment echoed by Laverty.
"These 35 Arkansans will have a sense of respect for each other that lets the senate continue to operate like the State Senate of Arkansas has, and hopefully makes the State of Arkansas proud," Laverty said.
Thursday is a big day in the senate, as new lawmakers will draw for seniority and make committee assignments.
More importantly, they'll draw to see who's serving two-year and four-year terms, thanks to legislative redistricting.
