Senator Harry Reid of Nevada is poised to become leader of the minority Democrats in the U.S. Senate.
Mr. Reid says he has the votes from his colleagues to succeed Thomas Daschle of South Dakota, who lost his bid for re-election on Tuesday.
If elected, the new Minority Leader will take over a reduced caucus of 44 Democrats and one independent facing off against 55 Republicans.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Senator Reid said President Bush had called him to seek "reconcilation" after the intensely-fought presidential campaign.
He said he looks forward to working with Mr. Bush on important issues but that he will stand up for Democratic Party principles.