President Barack Obama said Wednesday that voters frustrated by the pace of economic recovery dictated a Republican takeover of the House in midterm elections, adding, "As president I take responsibility" for a failure to restore job growth more quickly.

The president said he was eager to sit down with the leaders of both political parties "and figure out how we can move forward together."

"It won't be easy," he said, noting the two parties differ profoundly in some key areas.

He spoke at a White House news conference on the day after Republicans captured control of the House and cut deeply into the Democratic majority in the Senate.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) _ President Barack Obama will assume some responsibility for voters' frustrations that boiled up in elections that cost Democrats dearly.

A person familiar with the president's thinking says Obama at a White House news conference Wednesday won't be defiant, and will address the message sent by voters. The White House sees that message as a call for lawmakers to put partisanship aside and solve the problems facing the country.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity in order to speak ahead of the president.

Republicans scored sweeping victories in Tuesday's midterm elections to take a commanding majority in the House and make significant gains in the Senate.