In the marketplace of ideas that is the state Legislature, the dominance of one brand — the Democratic Party — has just ratcheted up a notch.

In the wake of the general election, the number of Republicans has dwindled further. The GOP has two men left standing in the state Senate: Fred Hemmings and Sam Slom. And the minority caucus in the House has been winnowed to six: Corinne Ching, Lynn Finnegan, Barbara Marumoto, Kymberly Pine, Cynthia Thielen and Gene Ward.

The value of a two-party system is that it provides checks and balances, so that ideas don't represent only one sector of the public. Varied perspectives help refine and shape better policy. That's just what's needed given our state's pressing problems. So it's even more distressing that the size of the legislative "loyal minority" has shrunk even further. That's due, at least in part, to the large number of seats that were uncontested this year.

Ramping up the recruitment of candidates is a task that rests with both parties between now and the next election. For now, the job falls to the leadership at the state Capitol to enable a broad and bipartisan discussion once the 2009 Legislature convenes to grapple with the most crushing budgetary challenges in years.

The leaders of both houses have said that they do give the minority caucuses seats on key committees and a voice in proceedings. Members of the minority counter by pointing to the rarity that any bill ever passes under their sponsorship.

"In eight years in the Senate," said Minority Leader Fred Hemmings, "I've had two with my name on them."

However, it's less critical how credit is assigned for legislation than ensuring that the solutions themselves come to light. The question of which bills come to a public hearing should depend on the quality of ideas, not party label.

This session, lawmakers will face revenue projections that are likely to continue in a downward spiral and the duty to find ways to deliver adequate government services, regardless.

Finding a way to bridge this chasm will take lawmakers willing to ask the difficult questions. Can cuts be achieved without job loss or reduction in pay levels? Are there ways to help business recover from what will surely be the most economically toxic climate in decades? Can some services be provided more efficiently by the private sector?

By session's end, voters should expect that the answers emerging represent the best ideas the lawmakers — all of them — could muster.