New GOP Majorities Take Over Minnesota Legislature

ST. PAUL  (AP) -- The Minnesota Legislature has convened under full Republican control for the first time in 38 years.

Both chambers gaveled to order shortly after noon on Tuesday. The inauguration of all 201 state lawmakers is on the agenda.

Republicans are taking over the Senate for the first time since the early 1970s and will lead the House again after four years in the minority. They have promised to focus on jobs and the economy.

Even as the GOP takes over the Legislature, Mark Dayton is starting his job as the state's first Democratic governor in 20 years.

The new cast at the Capitol will confront a $6.2 billion budget deficit over the next two years. Unemployment stands at 7.1 percent.

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