In Minn. Legislature, New GOP Majorities Take Over

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - New Republican majorities come into power at the Minnesota Legislature on Tuesday.

Both the House and Senate will gavel to order at noon in floor sessions expected to focus on ceremony, including the oath of office and election of top leaders. All 134 state lawmakers will be sworn in.

Republicans are taking control of the Senate for the first time since the early 1970s. The House returns to GOP hands after four years of Democratic control.

The legislative party switch completes a voter-driven upheaval that put Democrat Mark Dayton in the governor's office after eight years of Republican Tim Pawlenty as governor.

The new state leaders together are confronting a projected $6.2 billion deficit over the coming two years.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)