LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Arkansas Republicans hope to claim a majority in either chamber of the Legislature for the first time since Reconstruction, but the balance in the House hinges partly on whether the party will suffer for the racially tinged writings of 3 candidates.

Rep. Jon Hubbard called slavery a "blessing in disguise," Rep. Loy Mauch called Abraham Lincoln a "war criminal" and candidate Charlie Fuqua (fyoo-KWAY') called for the deportation of all Muslims. Party leaders distanced themselves from the three and pulled funding.

Democrats held a 53-46 edge in the House entering Tuesday's election and also enjoyed a 20-15 margin in the Senate. Republicans haven't controlled either chamber in 138 years.

To take a majority, Republicans need to pick up at least five seats in the House and three in the Senate.

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