On the first day of the new legislative session, Republicans and Democrats in the state senate pledged today to get things done on behalf of all Missourians — despite this being an election year and the last session for many of the term-limited legislators.

Senate President Pro Tem Mike Gibbons said voters and taxpayers aren’t interested in political bickering and gridlock. “This is not a game to the people at home,” said the Republican leader. “They expect us to fix these problems.”

Democratic floor leader Maida Coleman said she hopes both parties can indeed move beyond the typical partisan battles and accomplish some important things this session.

“My hope is that — with this being an election year — that we do not have dissension that has sometimes crept into the chamber during an election year,” she said.

Time will tell. But if history is any indicator, this pledge of cooperation will disappear faster than an incriminating email in the governor’s office.