FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear is expecting an improved relationship with Senate Republicans now that they've elected new leaders.

Beshear said Friday he's "excited" about the prospects for collaboration.

The Senate's GOP majority elected Robert Stivers of Manchester as president earlier this week to replace David Williams of Burkesville who resigned to accept a judicial appointment.

Beshear and Williams had a long history of political confrontations that grew worse after the two faced off in last year's gubernatorial election.

Stivers' promotion to Senate president left open the job of majority floor leader. Republican Sen. Damon Thayer of Georgetown was elected to that post. Beshear and Thayer had worked closely earlier this year in an unsuccessful push to legalize casino-style gambling in Kentucky.

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