Republicans and Democrats on common grounds

WASHINGTON, Dec 21: US President George W Bush, who will be forced to deal with a Democratic-run Congress for the first time, yesterday said he would seek common ground on some issues but not bend on core principles.

Mr Bush has struck a more conciliatory tone since his fellow Republicans lost control of the US House of Representatives and Senate in the November elections, in large part because of voter anger about the prolonged war in Iraq.

At a year-end news conference where he was asked what he hoped to accomplish in his remaining two years in office, Bush pointed to some areas where the two parties already have achieved some agreement.

He cited bipartisan support for eliminating special interest government spending, education reforms and raising the minimum wage by 2.10 dollars, although Bush again said that increase should be coupled with tax and regulatory relief for small businesses.

''I know they're not going to change their principles and I'm not going to change mine,'' Mr Bush said. ''But nevertheless, that doesn't mean we can't find common ground to get good legislation done.'' When Congress convenes next month, House Democrats plan in the first 100 hours to vote on the minimum wage hike without the president's proposed tax package, as well as proposals to roll back various breaks for business including one on royalty payments for big oil companies, beefing up security at US ports, and allowing the Medicare health program for the elderly to negotiate lower drug prices.

Mr Bush renewed a pledge to rise above the partisan bickering that marked his first six years in office when Republicans controlled both chambers for much of the time.

''I have an interest to get things done, and the Democrat leaders have an interest to get something done to show that they're ... worthy of their leadership roles,'' Mr Bush said. ''I will do my part to elevate the tone.'' But in a sign that common ground may be hard to find, Senator.

Edward Kennedy, a Massachusetts Democrat who has led the charge on the minimum wage, fired back that his proposed increase to 7.25 dollars an hour over two years from 5.15 dollars should be approved with no strings attached.

''We need to pass a clean bill giving them the raise they deserve as quickly as possible,'' Kennedy said in a statement.

Still, Mr Bush said his time as governor of Texas when Democrats controlled the legislature proved he could get things done in a bipartisan way. He said he hoped they could find solutions to issues such as reforming the Social Security retirement system and fair enforcement of immigration laws.

''I believe it's going to be possible here,'' Mr Bush said.

''... I'm going to sprint to the finish and we can get a lot done.'' The Democrat set to become Senate majority leader, Harry Reid of Nevada, said the election results proved that the American people wanted Republicans and Democrats to work together.

''If the president is serious this time about joining in a constructive, bipartisan effort on the issues that matter most to this country, he'll find Congress ready and willing to work with him,'' Mr Reid said in a statement.

REUTERS