Congressional Democrats say they'll work with Bush

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The two Democratic congressional leaders, Sen. Tom Daschle, D-South Dakota and Rep. Richard Gephardt, D-Missouri, praised Vice President Al Gore's concession speech Wednesday and vowed to work with the Bush administration and Republicans in Congress. Although they said they were disappointed in Tuesday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling that led to Gore's concession, they praised the Democrat's campaign.

"We hold Al Gore and Joe Lieberman in the highest regard and deeply respect their decision to bring this election to a close. During the campaign, they fought for the people's right to know where the two presidential candidates stood on education, prescription drugs and other issues that matter most to America's families. For more than a month, they fought for the people's right to know who actually won the election. In both cases, they were right to fight as hard as they did. Tonight, they took an important step toward reuniting America. They deserve praise for putting the nation's interest first," the two men said in a written statement.

"We had hoped the vice president's simple request to count every vote in Florida would be honored. While we are deeply disappointed in the Supreme Court's ruling, we respect it and accept it as final."

"Passions ran high during the election, and views on both sides of the aisle may have hardened during this legal process. But it's time for our nation to come together and heal. One of the greatest testaments to our democracy is that, following a national election, all Americans join together. We are prepared to do that starting today."

"We will make every effort to work in a bipartisan way with the Bush administration and Republicans in Congress to pass policies that lift up the hopes and dreams of the people we serve. Getting things done for the American people remains our highest priority. We will work to achieve that goal."

Sen. Zell Miller, D-Ga., wrote Bush, offering his support.

"I would like to offer my sincere congratulations and pledge my support to work across party lines with you to bring this county together and move it forward."

"You will be my president and I wish you the very best," wrote Miller.

House Republican Conference Chairman J.C. Watts, R-Okla., urged both political parties to "bury the partisan rhetoric."

"We must now heal America's political wounds and carry on the business of establishing a new administration with President-elect Bush and Vice President-elect Cheney," said Watts.