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Posted by Scott Rothschild on December 3, 2012 at 8:06 p.m.

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Challenges flared in Senate Democratic leadership races

While most eyes were on the Republican leadership races in the House and Senate on Monday, challenges flared up in the Senate Democratic caucus.

Outnumbered by Republicans 32-8, Senate Democrats generally stick together on issues and try to build coalitions with either moderate or conservative Republicans.

On Monday, Senate Democratic Leader Anthony Hensley, of Topeka, was challenged by state Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City.

Hensley has been in the Legislature 35 years; the past 20 years in the Senate, and minority leader since 1996.

Holland just won re-election to his second term in the Senate after having served in the House. In 2010, he was the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, losing to Gov. Sam Brownback.

Hensley and Holland tied 4-4 on the first ballot for minority leader, and then Hensley won 5-3.

But state Sen. Laura Kelley, D-Topeka, who just won a tough re-election campaign during the November general election, was upended by state Sen. Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, for the assistant minority leader position. They also were tied 4-4 on the first ballot and then Francisco won 5-3.

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