Freshman Democrat Joe Donnelly is sounding an optimistic note about the upcoming transition to a Republican controlled Senate.
He predicts centrist senators will drive the agenda in the new Congress, and says he expects a productive Senate under new Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Donnelly declined to offer criticism of any Republican agenda items, saying only that he hopes the GOP majority will keep its focus on improving people's lives.
"I just want to make sure that everybody keeps focusing on jobs and opportunity," Donnelly said. "My goal is, every day, how do we make sure that every Hoosier family feels more economically secure, feels like their job is getting better and stronger?"
And he's renewing his support for the Keystone XL oil pipeline, which Republicans have signaled will be among their first priorities.