For Minnesota’s Senate GOP, 1 Is the Lovliest Number

That's the size of their majority in the Senate after winning eight Democratic seats in the November election.

It puts the GOP in full control of the Legislature as they set out to craft a budget with Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton.

But current and former legislative leaders agree the smaller majority is a difficult dynamic. Incoming Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka can't afford to lose even one vote on key measures.

Former House Speaker Steve Sviggum says a small edge requires constant communication with lawmakers.

Gazelka says he and fellow Republicans know they need to stick together. He says he's taken steps to ensure they're on the same page.