Despite city win, Democrats lose control of state Senate By Terry Ganey By Eric Stern and By Bill Bell Jr. Of the Jefferson City bureau JEFFERSON CITY - For the first time in 52 years, Republicans took control of the Missouri Senate Wednesday, winning two of three special elections to fill vacant seats. Republicans gained an 18-16 edge over Democrats, which will give them major influence over the legislative agenda of Gov. Bob Holden, a Democrat. The victories also will give the GOP important say in the congressional redistricting this year. "Instead of being shut out of the process, ...