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A Political Olive Branch.

House Democrats met behind closed doors today to elect their leaders for the upcoming legislative session. Tracy Sadeghian has the story from Jefferson City:

House Speaker Steve Gaw won renomination from the House Democratic caucus without opposition.

Shortly after his nomination by a closed-door caucus, Gaw told reporters he'll be extending the olive branch to Republicans next session...

But Gaw says as House Leader he'll set aside partisanship and focus on what's important for the State.

The speaker is not formally elected until January. But with Democrats holding a majority in the House, Gaw's election is almost guaranteed -- unless, like last time, rebel Democrats refuse to support their party's candidate.

Reporting from the State Capital, I'm Tracy Sadeghian.