GOP leader hopes to work with Obama on some issues

WASHINGTON – The Senate's top Republican says he hopes to work more closely with President Barack Obama next year to craft trade agreements and spending policy and to cancel an arcane tax reporting law that he says leaves businesses in a lurch. Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky told The Associated Press on Wednesday that several areas of agreement exist on legislation that could quickly advance if, on Election Day, the president, in McConnell's words, "listens to the American people." That legislation includes trade deals with South Korea, Panama and Colombia; canceling a tax reporting law on businesses that's part of the health care overhaul; reducing federal spending and debt; and promoting the use of nuclear energy.