Top Republican echoes Obama's call to end sniping

By Thomas Ferraro

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Congress's most powerful Republican on Friday backed President Barack Obama's call to set aside political differences and cooperate on efforts to revitalize the economy and resolve other issues.

Yet only time will tell if such rhetoric by Obama and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell produces results -- or deteriorates into more of the partisan bickering that has long marked Washington politics.

"People want their leaders to work together to solve problems, not to set traps," McConnell said in a speech to the National Press Club. "The challenge now is for both parties to cooperate, not just in word but in deed."

The first test will be the struggle to agree by the middle of next month on an $825 billion package of new spending and tax cuts to stimulate economy.

McConnell, after a meeting with Obama and fellow congressional leaders at the White House, said he believes an accord will be reached by then.

"I think he (Obama) is open to our ideas," the Senate Republican leader said. "We will see, as we go along, how many of them are incorporated."

While McConnell has frequently sparred with Democrats, he made his pitch for bipartisanship three days after Obama voiced such a call in becoming president.

The Kentucky senator cited attempts to bolster the financially troubled Social Security retirement program as well as health programs for the poor and elderly.

"In all this, politics will have its place. But at this moment, achieving big things for the country is where my ambitions lie," McConnell said.

While Democrats can shove what they want through the House of Representatives on a simple majority vote, McConnell has the power to erect procedural roadblocks in the 100-member Senate that would need 60 votes to clear.

Republicans will have at least 41 Senate seats, meaning they could stop legislation if they stick together. Democrats will have to reach out to McConnell to move legislation.

McConnell said Obama may have what it takes. "Most people think that ideas should be assessed on their merits, not on the senator or the president who proposes them. Our new president seems to think the same thing," McConnell said.

"I also pledge to make this a firm principle in my dealings with the Obama administration," McConnell said.

(Editing by Eric Walsh)