Bush meets with legislators to implement plans

WASHINGTON - Sitting down for the first time at the White House with Democratic leaders, President Bush said yesterday it's time "to come together and get things done" despite expectations of gridlock and acrimony in the nation's capital.

The president also raised concerns about the economy in pushing for his $1.6 billion tax-cut plan.

"I look forward to explaining to any member that's concerned about tax relief and why ... I proposed it. And I think the evidence is going to become more and more clear that the economy is not as hopeful as we'd like, which I hope will strengthen my case," Bush said.

He expressed concern about the economy before his inauguration, but never as president. In the Cabinet Room meeting with GOP and Democratic legislative leaders, Bush promised a bipartisan approach to governing.

"This is the sixth meeting I've had with legislators since I've been sworn in. It is a habit I intend to keep," Bush said He also was meeting yesterday evening with his former presidential rival, GOP Sen. John McCain of Arizona, to discuss their differences on campaign finance reform.

"The president is coming into this with an open mind," Bush spokesman Ari Fleischer said. The leaders emerged in unanimous agreement that, as Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle put it, "It was an excellent meeting" addressing the budget, foreign affairs, election reform, and energy and education policy.

House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., said it was a dialogue - "This wasn't a meeting where we made any deals."

Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott thanked Bush for letting Congress in on the ground floor of developing policy and "not try to ask us to join up after the die is already cast."