The Nov. 4 midterm election results were a rejection of the Democratic-controlled Senate’s pattern of obstruction. Voters tired of gridlock and lack of Senate action on House legislation removed the obstruction and sent Republicans back to Washington with control of the Senate and a stronger majority in the House.

With Sen. Mitch McConnell set to replace Sen. Harry Reid as Senate Majority Leader, Republicans will be in a position to move on the legislation Reid has stonewalled, things like the Keystone XL pipeline, international trade agreements and meaningful tax reform.

President Obama said he is enthusiastic about working with Congress in the next two years to attend to the needs of the people of the United States. He will have to be.

The president can govern by veto, or by working with the GOP leaders in Congress to develop legislation that serves the people. If he is sincere about working with Congress, the next two years could be beneficial for all, and especially Obama’s own legacy.

If he continues on the path he has followed for most of his administration, trying to rule by decree and unilateral administrative action, he will go down as one of the least effective presidents we have ever had.

— New Ulm Journal, Nov. 6