By LUCAS L. JOHNSON II
Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Tennessee Republicans have secured a supermajority in both chambers of the Legislature.

The GOP in Tuesday's election claimed at least two seats necessary in both chambers to gain the supermajority. The margins are now 24-9 in the Senate and 67-24 in the House, with one independent.
 
The

By ANDREW DeMILLO
Associated Press

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- Republicans will control the Arkansas Senate in 2013 after sweeping to a majority for the first time since Reconstruction.
 
In balloting Tuesday, the GOP laid claim to at least 18 of the chamber's 35 seats, giving the party an edge it last saw during a special session in 1874.
 
Arkansas

Arkansas voters have approved a half-cent sales tax increase to fund $1.8 billion in highway improvements over the next 10 years.
 
 Tuesday's vote will increase Arkansas' state sales tax to 6.5 percent from 6 percent, beginning July 1. The tax will remain in place up to 10 years -- or until the bonds issued to pay