Speech a hit with Republicans; Democrats find a lot missing

WASHINGTON – Northwest Republicans called President Bush’s fifth State of the Union speech one of his best ever, while Democrats said it raised unanswered questions about everything from Social Security to border security.

“It was another outstanding speech,” said Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, a few minutes after Bush wrapped up the 50-minute address. “He tackled all the tough issues of our day.”

Freshman Rep. Cathy McMorris, an Eastern Washington Republican, called the speech powerful and bold, adding she supports everything the president outlined, from Social Security and health care reform to a constitutional ban on gay marriage.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said the president laid out an aggressive agenda, but overall thought the speech was “a lot of rhetoric.”

Bush spent the first part of his speech talking about the need to reform Social Security, by guaranteeing the current system for those 55 and older, while allowing young workers to set aside a portion of their payroll taxes for voluntary private accounts.

The president has the political capital to spend on an overhaul of Social Security, and the majority of the public will agree with him once they understand the details, Sen. Larry Craig contends.

“Most of our seniors, when they realize their benefits are guaranteed, will support this,” said the Idaho Republican.

Crapo said he believes Bush made it “crystal clear” the system was in need of reform. “It is a broken system … and it jeopardizes our younger workers.”

But Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., said she didn’t believe the changes Bush is seeking will have strong public support. Taxpayers who have contributed to Social Security want to be sure their money will be available, she said.

“I think they want the government to stop stealing from Social Security to pay for the deficit and instead make sure the investment is there for them in the future,” she said in a prepared statement.

Murray was also skeptical, and critical, of the changes Bush was suggesting.

“We need to make sure that Social Security is there and there for the future, but privatizing it is not a way to give people a guarantee,” Murray said. “Investments are risky.”

While Murray said she was pleased with the president’s plan to extend his No Child Left Behind program to high schools and was interested in other new programs he mentioned, she is waiting for next week, when Bush’s budget is released, to see how he plans to pay for things.

“I was particularly disappointed that he did not spend more time talking about veterans,” she added.

She also thought it was inappropriate to bring up a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage during a time of war, saying the nation has higher priorities right now. Among those would be providing more security to its ports and borders, she added.

“The president has yet to put forward a plan for securing our nation’s ports,” Murray said in a prepared statement. “Our national security and economic stability depends on doing better.”

McMorris, who was in the House chamber for her first State of the Union speech, said she thought Bush mentioned several health care issues important to Eastern Washington, such as making it affordable, pursing medical liability reform and improving health savings accounts.

“In addition, I appreciate how he wants to take action and reduce regulation on small businesses,” she said. “I’m pleased to hear him talking about cutting the deficit.”