With most of Michigan’s government set to be dominated by Republicans after Tuesday’s election, its seems the governor-elect will have a tough road ahead of her.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. What looks ugly could turn around if lawmakers can make the most of the situation and keep petty politics out of Michigan government for the next four years.

With the state Senate leaning 22-16 in the GOP’s favor, Jennifer Granholm will not enjoy the luxury of ruling with an iron fist that her Republican predecessor had.

Likewise, legislators also face challenges if Michigan’s lead Democrat must sign their bills into law. The state House will maintain a 63-47 GOP majority for at least two more years.

While the situation might seem hideous, this could be that start of a beautiful friendship - well, at least lawmakers should start to get along.

Both Democrats and Republicans are set to face one huge budget deficit. With such a massive problem it is in the best interest of both parties to throw their gloves aside and find the compromises that will best benefit Michigan’s future.

We’re sure this shouldn’t prove too difficult being that most third-party advocates argue that Democrats and Republicans are the same anyway.

And let’s face it, even though many political officials would like to prove third-party advocates wrong, now is not the time.

In addition to having a GOP-dominated Legislature, Republicans also will be at Granholm’s sides as Terri Lynn Land is set to replace Candice Miller in the Secretary of State’s office and Mike Cox will become Michigan’s first GOP attorney general in 48 years.

Republicans also will maintain control of the state’s judicial branch as GOP-nominated incumbents Elizabeth Weaver and Robert Young Jr. begin their new 8-year terms on the state Supreme Court where Republicans hold a 5-2 advantage.

All this GOP dominance might seem scary to Democratic faithful, who fear their newly elected governor will not be able to pursue her agenda.

Likewise, hard-core Republicans might fear the state’s chief executive will make times tough for their party.

But our governmental system is supposedly set up to ensure those fears don’t become reality.

The American system of checks and balances exists for compromise, which usually proves to produce the best policy.

A continuous four-year-long governmental deadlock would not allow Michigan to move forward. Good luck finding a worthwhile lawmaker who would want that to happen.

Good government looks to make sure all needs are met, and does not play petty political games when it comes to deciding what is best for the people.

It would be in the best interests of every citizen in Michigan for Republicans and Democrats to put their differences aside and unite for the welfare of the state’s economy.