Articles written by david espo, jim kuhnhenn, associated press

DAVID ESPO, JIM KUHNHENN, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The end game at hand, the White House and Senate leaders launched a final attempt at compromise Friday night in hopes of preventing a toxic blend of middle-class tax increases and spending cuts from taking effect at the turn of the new year. "I am hopeful and optimistic" of reaching an agreement after months of gridlock, the Senate Republican Leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, said after a meeting with President Barack Obama and top congressional leaders at the White House. AP Photo/ Evan Vucci Senate M...