Colorado Democratic Party

After Rep. Doug Lamborn announced he would not attend tomorrow’s State of the Union address by President Obama to the Congress, Colorado Democratic Party Chairman Rick Palacio offered the following reaction:

“Rep. Lamborn’s decision to boycott the President's annual State of the Union speech is a perfect example of the kind of petty politics that the people of Colorado are tired of. But his childish behavior also provides us a clear contrast between Colorado’s Republican and Democratic Members of Congress. On one hand, Colorado Democratic Sen. Mark Udall is leading the congressional call for cooperation and civility in political discourse, and on the other hand, Rep. Doug Lamborn is advocating for political posturing and divisiveness.

“While we may disagree on policies, every American has the expectation that their Member of Congress, regardless of party affiliation, will have the decency and respect to do their job and attend an address by the President of the United States. And if a Member of Congress lacks respect for the President himself, he should at least have respect for the Constitution that directs the President to address the Congress.

“If in these challenging times for our nation, Rep. Lamborn is unwilling to sit through an address by the President, then Coloradans in his district should ask whether he is even worthy of representing them in the Congress at all.”