Things not as they seem at the Legislature

Many people touted this year's legislative session as a Republican-dominated conservative body that could easily work with the Republican administration to get things done.

They reasoned that 32 Republicans in the officially nonpartisan body would win out over the 17 Democrats. They tried valiantly to get 33 Republicans elected, a so-called "magic" number that could withstand filibusters by the dissenters and pave the way for a conservative agenda.

Observers sighed relief when the number fell short because it would guarantee some spirited debate and prevent a run-away train where the new gover...