What Do Texas Republicans Have To Say About The State Of The Union Address?

Try these on for size:

• Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas: “I was particularly pleased to hear the president call for improved care and services for our veterans and do so by improving job opportunities, access to child care and allowing troops to transfer unused GI bill benefits to children and spouses.”

It’s so nice that Hutchison is so glad to hear the President talk about this, since Hutchison herself did zero for veterans until 2006, when Barbara Radnofsky’s 2006 campaign for U.S. Senate shamed her into getting off her duff.

• Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas: “We need greater accountability and transparency in how taxpayers’ dollars are spent, particularly by shedding light on the earmark process. We need to put more money back in the pockets of working families and small businesses to stimulate the economy in the long term, not just the short term.”

Translation: “I am saying that we need to shed light on earmarks, but I don’t really mean it because no Republican does. And, the only pockets I want to see get checks are the same people who can turn around and write $1,000 checks to my re-election campaign: the wealthy!”

• Rep. Ted Poe, R-Humble: “It was the best that he’s given: He had a lot of enthusiasm and confidence. He certainly left no doubt that he’s the commander-in-chief and that the United States intends to seek victory in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

Sigh. “Seek victory in Iraq and Afghanistan?” Are you serious, Congressman Poe? We’ve been in Iraq and Afghanistan for how many years, and he still hasn’t managed to engineer a “victory,” yet you are confident he will? Are you smarter than a fifth grader? Evidently not.

• Rep. John Culberson, R-Houston: “The challenge we face in protecting the economy and cutting taxes is evident when you see Democrats sitting on their hands and not applauding when the president asks to extend his tax cuts and to cut taxes and spending.”

Oh, how mature, Culberson. Could it be because the tax cuts the president wants to extend mostly help the wealthy? Could be.

• Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands: “I was pleased that he stated Congress must act now to stop the abuse of earmarks. There is a time and place for them, but in Washington right now, they are completely out of control.”

There is a time and a place for earmarks, but not now. That’s what Brady is saying. He might as well be saying, “I wish all this furor over earmarks would die down so I can get some in.”

• Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin: “It’s a little sentimental. I’ve known him since he was governor. In a way, it’s sort of a highlight of his presidency, in terms of not only the issues that he’s stood for in the past, but ones he’s vigorous on today.”

Translation: “The president has flip-flopped, but I really can’t say that. But, in trying to create a legacy for himself that is not totally negative, he was really talking up stuff that sounded good tonight.”

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