EAGLE RIVER - We will focus a lot on President Obama's re-election in the coming weeks, months, and beyond.

But locally, Wisconsin state government shifted back to Republicans.

The GOP controlled both chambers last year when some controversial legislation passed.

Now, the focus could shift to a number of issues including mining. Retiring State Senator Jim Holperin knows what it was like last year when legislation went through.

He said the tone of next session starts with Governor Walker.

"The Governor has said he may have learned some lessons from last session about the style, his style of governing and we'll see whether that has happened," the retiring Senator said. "If it has, I think you'll see more bipartisanship, more attempts at compromise, a little softer style of governing in Wisconsin."

Holperin says mining will come up again.

He hopes both sides can work together on legislation, instead of just pushing something through because one party has the power.

"Other than mining and venture capital, the general topic of economic development will be very important," Holperin said. "There won't be many surprises. There's very little wiggle room in that budget and there aren't many issues that have been talked about during campaigns this fall frankly."

Holperin's term as state senator ends in January.

Story By: Matt Doyle