LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - The incoming president of the Arkansas Senate says he believes lawmakers can find common ground on proposals to expand the state's Medicaid program and cut taxes, despite partisan divisions in the Legislature.

Republican Sen. Michael Lamoureux of Russellville told The Associated Press in an interview that there will still be room for compromise on 2 of the most contentious fights looming in the Legislature. Lamoureux will be the first Republican to lead the chamber in 138 years, after an election where Republicans won a majority in both chambers.

The 36-year-old said questions about Medicaid's funding shortfall and the proposal to expand its eligibility under the federal health care law will be the biggest issue facing the Senate in 2013. Lamoureux said a deal on Medicaid expansion is possible.

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