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YANKTON, S.D. (AP) South Dakota Sen. John Thune says there's always a lot of optimism when a new Congress and new president are sworn in, as in the case this year.

Thune says keys to getting something done in Washington will be the tone set by President-elect Obama and whether he works with Republicans in the Democrat-controlled Congress.

The Republican senator says the nation's economy is the issue that's on everyone's mind. Thune says the question is how best to create good paying jobs without imposing a huge debt burden on future generations.

Information from: WNAX-AM, http://www.wnax.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 01-06-09 1028CST | save this article / add to your favorites list