Obama to Republicans: I won

Washington, Jan 24 (IANS) As he discussed his $825 billion stimulus package for the US economy with Congressional leaders President Barack Obama at one point curtly told opposition Republicans: 'I won.'

Citing sources familiar with the conversation, the Politico, a publication focusing on Congressional politics, said the exchange Friday arose as top House and Senate Republicans expressed concern to the president about the amount of spending in the package.

Obama listened to Republican gripes about the stimulus package, but he also left no doubt about who's in charge of these negotiations, it said citing the exchange.

After Friday's meeting, Democratic and Republican leaders publicly wrangled over the developing stimulus plan.

But, the Politico said, perhaps taking a cue from Obama's 'I won' line when Democrats were asked if they were concerned about Republicans blocking the package, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had a swift one-word answer: 'No.'