By David Espo AP Special Correspondent WASHINGTON - In a blend of pageantry and politics, Republicans took complete control of Congress for the first time in eight years on Tuesday, then ran straight into a White House veto threat against their top-priority legislation to build the Keystone XL oil pipeline. Republicans condemned the unexpected announcement, which came at the same time they were savoring the fruits of last fall's elections and speaking brightly about bipartisan compromises in the two years ahead. "I'm really optimistic about what we can accomplish," said Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, moments after he was recognized as leader of the new Republican majority on one side of the Capitol.