Iowa GOP Chairman Kaufmann and Co-Chair Hoefert Respond to SOTU and Sen. Ernst's Speech

Chairman Kaufmann and Co-Chair Hoefert Respond to SOTU and Sen. Ernst's Speech

DES MOINES - Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann and Co-Chair Cody Hoefert responded this evening to President Obama's State of the Union address and Senator Ernst's speech.

Chairman Kaufmann: The President gave us exactly what we expected this evening: A partisan screed clothed in bipartisan pablum. Rather than fulfill his pledge to work with the new Republican Congress, the President resorted to veto threats and fantasy proposals. The President must take the opportunity these next two years to find common ground with Republicans and put this country back on track.

Tonight Senator Ernst started a positive conversation about how Congress can help create more jobs and enhance opportunity for all Americans. She is a mother, soldier, and now a fantastic Senator from the state of Iowa. Senator Ernst is also the first Iowan in history to individually deliver the Republican address after a State of the Union. I am beyond proud that Senator Ernst earned this honor, and I look forward to working with her to move Iowa and America forward.

Co-Chair Cody Hoefert: Senator Ernst eloquently spoke for conservative values this evening, demonstrating for America what we in Iowa have seen for months. She is in Washington to do the hard work necessary to spur job creation, and we couldn't be more proud of Senator Ernst.

President Obama, however, seems to be out of ideas after six years of failed leadership. Rather than live up to his own lofty rhetoric, he has obstructed the will of the people, added $8 trillion to our debt, and now proposes to tax his way out of trouble. The President should heed the warning sent by voters in November and work with Republicans in Congress to create a more efficient government.