Republicans came out the winners in the recent negotiations over how to manage an 18-18 state Senate. While conceding the leadership position to the Democrats, the Republicans walked away with the ability to put the Democrats on the spot. In doing so, they boost the opportunity to peel away Democratic votes.

Republicans picked up three seats in the Nov. 8 election, moving from a 21-15 minority position to the tie. The Connecticut Constitution gives the lieutenant governor the authority to break a tie Senate vote. Lt. Gov. Nancy is a Democrat, arguably giving the party a 19-18 edge.

Republicans, however, argue the tie-breaking power doesn’t extend to choosing Senate leadership. They threatened to go to court if the Democrats used a Wyman vote to force a leadership decision.

Before Christmas, the party’s Senate leaders reached a deal. Senate President Pro Tem Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven, retains his position and title. Sen. Len Fasano, R-North Haven, is no longer minority leader. Now he is Republican president pro tem.

Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, also retained his title and the job of calling bills to be debated on the Senate floor. Under the deal, however, Republicans can force a vote on what business comes before the Senate. That’s significant. It means that if Democrats are hoping to duck a politically awkward vote by keeping it off the floor, Republicans can force them to go on the record.

Republicans have criticized Democratic-controlled legislatures for allowing labor contracts to go into effect without acting on them, which is their prerogative under existing rules. Republicans want a vote on every labor contract or arbitration award.

While Republicans did not get that, they do get the right to force a vote on whether to debate labor agreements. Some Democrats, rather than risk being depicted as unwilling to debate labor deals, might well join the Republicans in agreeing to a contract vote. That could allow the executive branch to take a tougher negotiation stance.

Senate committees will be evenly split with Republican and Democratic co-chairs. Since legislative committees in Connecticut traditionally include Senate and House members, the Democrats, with their House majority, retain narrow committee control. But on an issue of particular importance, Republicans could separate a Senate committee for a vote.

Add it all up, and Republicans will have far more political cards to play in the 2017 session, driving compromises that often result in the best policies.