Republican Main Street Partnership On The
State of the Union Address

Statement of Charles F. Bass, President and CEO of RMSP

(Washington, D.C.) – “Tonight, President Bush delivered his final State of the Union address.  Over the next year, there is a tremendous opportunity for President Bush and the Democratic-controlled Congress to make a real commitment to ending the divisive, hyper-partisan culture that dominates Washington. 

The American people are facing substantial challenges, and deserve leadership in Washington that that will offer real solutions.  To address the challenges we face, we will need bipartisan cooperation.  I applaud the efforts of the President and Congressional leadership in crafting an economic stimulus package that will help deliver immediate assistance to American taxpayers.   

It shouldn’t take an impending economic crisis, however, to force Democrats and Republicans in Washington to work together.  A bipartisan commitment is needed to address the issues discussed by President Bush tonight – continued earmark reform, energy independence, healthcare reform, education reform, and ensuring individuals are not subject to a tax increase in a time of economic uncertainty.   

The American people want their elected officials focused on delivering results – not fixated on partisan warfare.  We at Main Street are committed to a pragmatic agenda that puts an emphasis on finding solutions to the challenges that we face as a nation.  By working together – across party lines – I am confident that we can build a better future for all Americans.”