STERLING – Congresswoman-elect Cheri Bustos said that during her short time in Washington, D.C., she has been most surprised by the willingness of members of both parties to work together.

It’s the type of cooperation that will be necessary if members of the newly elected Congress hope to accomplish some of the daunting tasks ahead.

Bustos, a former East Moline alderwoman, beat first-term Rep. Bobby Schilling, R-Colona, to win the 17th District Congressional seat on Nov. 6. Since her victory, the Democrat has been busy with orientation in Washington and getting acclimated to the way things work there.