Obama calls lawmakers to set post-election agenda

CHICAGO (AP) -- President Barack Obama has telephoned leading lawmakers from both parties to talk about a legislative agenda for the remainder of the year.

Obama called House Speaker John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday following his re-election to a second term.

The White House said Obama reiterated his commitment to finding bipartisan solutions to reduce the deficit in a balanced way, cut taxes for middle-class families and small businesses and create jobs.

The White House said Obama told lawmakers that voters sent a message in the election, namely that leaders in both parties should put aside partisan interests and work with common purpose to solve problems for the American people.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)