By Chad Pergram
Washington, DC – Democratic Western New York lawmakers didn't think much of President Bush's State of the Union speech Tuesday night.
First elected to the house nearly 20 years ago, State of the Union speeches are old hat to area Congresswoman Louise Slaughter.
"I've been to a lot of these. There are things that are obligatory to say in big programs," Slaughter said. "There was none of that tonight."
A year ago, President Bush laid out his goal to partially privatize Social Security. But the plan fizzled. And as Slaughter says perhaps that's why this year's address didn't offer one particular presidential initiaive. But slaughter wishes the President would have gotten specific in at least one area.
"I wish he would have said that he's sorry about the cloud of corruption that hangs over Washington," Slaughter said. "It has to be cleaned up."
For the first time in years, President Bush mentioned Osama bin Laden by name during a major speech. Democratic Buffalo Congressman Brian Higgins believes there was a reason for that, as the President's poll numbers dip.
"To underscore the enemy, I think that's what is happening," Higgins said. "He's losing support among the American people. It's not about underscoring who the enemy is. It's about clarity."
Louise Slaughter also questioned the President's suggestion that the country's "addicted to oil."
"It didn't seem natural coming from a Texan," Slaughter said.
Mr. Bush wants to wean the US off oil through exploring other energy technologies.
Republican reaction to the speech was positive. Congressman Thomas Reynolds promised to work with the President on his agenda. Reynolds says many of Mr. Bush's proposals in his address will drive down health costs. Bush asked both parties to act on the growing strain of the Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security government entitlement programs.
Governor Pataki says the proposals in Tuesday night's address will make the country stronger in the future.