By Mark Wozniak
Buffalo, NY – The local congressional delegation's reaction to President Bush's State of the Union address Tuesday night was mainly along party lines.
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton harshly assessed President Bush's performance so far and formulas for the future.
Clinton, who announced her own plans to run for president last weekend, said the country faces tremendous challenges in Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing threats to national security, and crises in health care and energy. Clinton said Bush fell far short of the vision and solutions needed to meet these challenges.
Meanwhile, Democratic Representative Louise Slaughter called on the Republican President to work with the Democratic Congress to enact meaningful and effective action.
South Buffalo Democrat Brian Higgins said the address was short on ambition, short on detail and short of commitment to follow through.
Republican Congressman Thomas Reynolds of Clarence said Bush's speech provided bold and responsible policies to address America's challenges.