While Democrats did not win the County Legislature, they did manage to whittle the Republican majority down to a single seat, and that could mean a new dynamic in the body.

Democrats picked up two seats during Tuesday's elections. District 6 in Charlotte and Greece, and District 8 in Webster, are traditionally Republican. That leaves the GOP with a 15-to-14 majority, compared with the five-seat margin the party held before November 6.

The new numbers might encourage independently-minded Republican legislators to work with Democrats. That's especially true of newcomers like Republican Anthony Daniele, says Tim Kneeland, a political science professor at Nazareth College. Daniele's race was "a squeaker," and he'll likely be thinking of his future and trying to attract undecided voters, Kneeland said.

On the other hand, Republican leaders could become more forceful when it comes to the party line, Kneeland says, fearing reprisal if they stray. That's what happened when Ciaran Hanna and Bob Colby broke ranks with the party last year. They sided with Democrats during a vote on an ultimately successful Republican proposal to move the budget submission deadline past the election. Afterward, Hanna and Colby were stripped of committee leadership posts.

Party leadership will also make a difference in the Legislature's dynamic. Democrats and Republicans are losing experienced leaders. Bill Smith, who has served as GOP majority leader and articulate salesman for Republican policies, is being forced out due to term limits. Democrat Stephanie Aldersley, who served several years as minority leader, is also leaving the Legislature because of term limits. Carla Palumbo, who served as the minority leader until last month, was elected Tuesday to a seat on City Council. Democrats will have to appoint a replacement.

Whoever Republicans select as their new majority leader will likely set the tone for the Legislators in that caucus. Democratic minority leader Harry Bronson will guide his party in much the same way.