Rep. Tim Walz, who easily won a second term in Congress from southeastern Minnesota, says President-elect Obama will be more moderate than fearful Republicans expect.

The 1st District congressman spoke to the La Crosse Tribune in an article that includes the perspective of veteran Democratic Congressman Ron Kind, from across the river in Wisconsin.

Walz also said he will focus on job creation and a more comprehensive economic recovery plan than the controversial Wall Street bailout passed in October. And he's touting a highway funding bill that would provide jobs while rebuilding crumbling roads and bridges.