Many Congressional Democrats and some Republicans expressed support. She didn't think about Democrats or Republicans. The amendment passed with the votes of Republicans and Southern Democrats. The final law passed with the votes of Republicans and Northern Democrats. The party remained in fusion with either the Democrats or the Republicans in many states. It was opposed by 178 Republicans, 88 Democrats and one independent. Republicans also won a number of seats held by retiring Democrats. It consists of 36 Democrats and 4 Republicans. They were both at the head of a coalition of liberals, social democrats and greens. Party members elect the Leader of the Liberal Democrats. Charles Kennedy contested his first election as leader of the Liberal Democrats. The Liberal Democrats and Labour are also represented. Negotiations between the Liberal Democrats and Labour quickly ended. He was defeated by Sarah Olney of the Liberal Democrats. Liberal Democrats, too, flinched before Brown.