SEVERAL MEDIA OUTLETS ARE EITHER LYING OR DON'T UNDERSTAND U.S ELECTION HISTORY

ELECTION 2006 RESULTS:

49 Rep
49 Dem
2 Independent

Historically, when this happens, the VP makes the decision on the majority party because he holds the tie-breaking vote in the Senate.

Example:

47th Congress (1881-1883)

Majority Party: Republican (37 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (37 seats)
Other Parties: 1 Independent; 1 Readjuster
Total Seats: 76

Source: U.S. Senate website

The Senate Republican and Democratic floor leaders are elected by the members of their party in the Senate at the beginning of each Congress.

SOURCE : U.S. Senate website