The Hill News

Partisan rancor between Democrats and Republicans is "almost un-American," according to a freshman GOP congressman.

Rep. Michael Grimm (N.Y.), a former FBI agent and Marine, gave several interviews on Monday in which he pleaded for better cooperation from both political parties.

{mosads}"Both sides are bashing each other," Grimm told the Staten-Island Advance. "It's disappointing. It's almost un-American. We have to get past the partisanship and get down to business."

Grimm's comments are one sign he is facing a tough reelection in 2012 after defeating centrist Democratic Rep. Mike McMahon in November. 

McMahon, who served one term, has made overtures to the Democratic base in anticipation of a potential run in 2012. Democrats had been frustrated over McMahon's vote against the healthcare reform law, which he since said was a mistake.

Tea Party groups and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) endorsed Grimm during his 2010 campaign, but he has also reached out to Democrats during his short time in office.

He sided with Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) on reducing funding for the U.S. Institute of Peace and voted with the Queens congressman to bolster the COPS law enforcement hiring pr! ogram. 

Grimm told NPR on Monday that his campaign was based on more than just support from conservatives.

"We had a tremendous amount of support outside the Tea Party. So I think it is broader than that," he said.