Top Senate Democrat faults GOP extremists on debt

WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says a debt limit standoff between Democrats and the Republican-led House is being driven by GOP extremists.

At a news conference, the Nevada Democrat said Republicans are more interested in trying to embarrass President Barack Obama than in doing what's right for the country. He says the GOP is being led by the "radical right wing," and says such extremists should not be allowed to determine how the battle is resolved.

Reid has proposed extending the government's tapped-out borrowing authority until 2013. Republicans want to raise that ceiling for only a few months and force another vote on the volatile issue during the 2012 political campaigns. Both parties would also cut spending.

Reid acknowledges that he's open to compromise if Republicans propose something.