JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri residents are done voting. But the lawmakers they have elected still have some votes to cast.

The newly elected and returning members of the Missouri House are to meet Wednesday in Jefferson City to elect their own party leaders for the 2013 legislative session. Senators are to meet Thursday to elect their party leadership.

Among the top contests is the race for House majority leader. St. Louis County Republicans John Diehl and Mike Leara both are seeking that spot. The majority leader is influential because he decides which bills will be brought up for debate and when to set them aside.

Republicans and Democrats from each chamber meet in separate closed-door sessions to decide their leadership.

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