Towson-Area Representatives Comment on Obama's Address

Maryland's congressional delegation is reacting to President Obama's State of the Union speech.

highlighted economic issues, national security, immigration, infrastructure and education as the president prepares for his 2012 re-election bid.

Rep. John Sarbanes, a Towson Democrat, said in a statement: "The President made a forceful case that our long term economic prospects are tied to the strength of the middle class. The recent economic crisis eroded this strength but it is within our power to bring it back. 

"The American Dream has always been about the opportunity to make a good life for your family. It is time to make those opportunities a reality again for all working Americans."

Rep. Andy Harris, a Cockeysville Republican, shared his take with WBAL-TV.

"I didn't hear anything new today," Harris said after the speech. "He obviously can't run on his record, so he blamed a few people, and he dragged out some of the same old policies he's had in the past. He talked about another stimulus bill. He talked about stimulus-type programs. He even mentioned Obamacare."

Democratic Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger of Baltimore County was more optimistic, telling WBAL that Obama "came up with ideas both Republican and Democrats can agree to to help our country."

Democratic U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin said in a statement that he looks forward to working with the president on aiding small businesses and investing in job creation.

"President Obama understands that gridlock does nothing to help American families and does not create jobs," Cardin said. "I believe that we can—and must—work across party lines to accomplish our work on behalf of the American people."