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WASHINGTON -- While Democrats may have taken a beating at the polls last week, one outcome of the election is that DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is getting a promotion and joining the leadership of Senate Democrats as chair of the party's Steering and Outreach Committee.

The role will involve working with business and outside groups to help develop the Democrats' policy agenda. Current  majority leader and soon to be Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada said that Klobuchar is also tasked with finding areas of common ground with Republicans.

"I don't know anyone who tries harder to work across party lines than she does," said Reid.

Klobuchar said she had already spoken with Republican leaders and listed the minimum wage, overhauling the tax code and immigration as areas of potential cooperation with the incoming GOP majority.

"I think it's a very necessary role right now because I take the Republicans at their word; they say they want to move on things," said Klobuchar.

Klobuchar's predecessor on the Steering Committee is Alaska Sen. Mark Begich, who appears to have lost his re-election bid, although he has not yet conceded.

In addition to Klobuchar's promotion, Reid also announced that Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren would serve in a newly-created role to strengthen ties with liberal wing of the Democratic Party.

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Brett Neely

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As Steering Committee chair, she'll work with business and outside groups to help develop the Democrats' policy agenda. She's also reaching out to Republicans.

Klobuchar wins Democratic leadership post

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