WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s first State of the Union message was a winner, for the most part, according to two Democrats who represent the Poconos in Congress.

“The president offered a hopeful message about our country’s future and I credit him with seeking to inspire optimism”, said Rep. Chris Carney (D-10). “Our economy is showing signs of recovery and I have tremendous faith in the resilience of our working men and women. But we must give our businesses and organizations the tools they need to make bold decisions that will lay a foundation for the future and do so by coming together in a bipartisan manner. I will continue to do everything I can to support the increased growth of our businesses and help our local economy, whether it be through small business tax credits or the elimination of capital gains on small businesses.”

Carney also said he was disappointed the president did not discuss the failed Christmas Day bombing in greater detail and the steps he plans to avoid another near terrorist attack.

“Keeping our citizens safe is my top priority in Congress and we must feel confident that this administration has learned its lessons from the communications breakdowns and know that improvements are quickly being made.”

Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-11) was generally supportive of the president, especially on the economy.

“As we work to create new jobs, more jobs, and better jobs, we must also take action to change the rules of Wall Street and rein in the biggest financial institutions which caused the current crisis”, said Kanjorski, who chairs the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises.  “As the President stressed, reforming Wall Street is essential to preventing another economic crisis like the one we just experienced.  In December, with my strong support the House passed a Wall Street reform bill.  This bill included my amendment to limit the risk of financial companies by preventing them from becoming ‘too big to fail.’  The President’s remarks tonight only strengthened my resolve to enact into law a common-sense financial regulatory reform bill to better protect the financial security of every American and fundamentally change the way Wall Street operates.

Both Carney and Kanjorski are adamantly opposed to tolling on Interstate 80.  Both vow to continue the fight to keep the federal highway administration from endorsing that idea.    The president did not mention I-80 in his more than one-hour speech.