As the gavel comes down this month.

• Position: Republican gains in several state legislatures - Newsmakers - Brief article

AS THE GAVEL COMES DOWN THIS MONTH to signal the start of legislative sessions around the country, Republican majorities are stronger in several states, thanks in part to off-year elections and party switches. In Kentucky, Representative Denny Butter (D) changed his registration to Republican and put the GOP within four seats of control. In Mississippi, Speaker Philip Gunn is presiding over 73 Members--one vote shy of a supermajority at...