Suburban Congressmen react to State of the Union addresss

“After listening carefully to the President’s address to Congress, I’m pleased that the President is looking for common ground with Congress in some areas; unfortunately, in other areas, he refuses to acknowledge the lessons of November,” — 14th District Rep. Randy Hultgren, a St. Charles Republican.

“President Obama made it clear that we must turn our focus squarely onto growing a competitive nation. The way to make our nation prosperous is by getting our neighbors back to work and ensuring our economy works for American families and businesses. ... We all want our economy to improve and thrive. However, it’s going to take time and constant engagement from folks on both sides of the aisle to get our economy back on solid ground.” — 11th District Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a Mateno Republican

“The address reflected an important call for civility after the Arizona shootings. Senator Durbin and I sat together as patriots, not partisans. The chief threat to our economy is runaway federal spending and debt. The American people elected a new Congress with a mandate to cut spending, reduce debt and keep taxes low. Unfortunately, I heard more ways to spend tax dollars than ways to cut the budget.” Sen. Mark Kirk, a Highland Park Republican

“President Obama continued the conversation with the American people that he began in the wake of the Tucson tragedy. It was a message about our future and our need to work together, with respect, to meet our challenges. And I also hope that the good manners we saw in the Congressional audience tonight will continue when the session resumes tomorrow.” Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, a Springfield Democrat

“Returning economic security to struggling Americans must take priority over everything – including the wish list of any politician or political party. That’s the message Americans sent to Washington in November, and today the President had to show that he has heard that message and really believes it. It sounds like he got the message. ... The proof will only come in actions.” — 13th District Rep. Judy Biggert, a Hinsdale Republican

“Tonight I was pleased to hear the President’s State of the Union address focus on job creation, deficit reduction and bipartisanship... I hope the President is serious about accomplishing each of these goals.”

-10th District Rep. Robert Dold, a Kenilworth Republican

“In these difficult times, we must continue to focus on helping our employers put Americans back to work. But it concerns me when the President talks about ‘investments.’ That’s a code word for more excessive government spending.” — 16th District Rep. Don Manzullo, an Egan Republican