“As the President outlined his priorities for the coming year, I did not get a clear sense that he understands the underlying flaws in his approach and the changes that need to be made to govern in a more responsible fashion and confront the economic crisis his policies have made worse.
“The most pressing issue facing our country today is the struggling economy, our crushing debt and the staggering unemployment rate. Ten percent of Americans are unemployed and, here in Florida, more than a million Floridians are without work. Putting the economy back on track does not require more government programs, higher taxes or more reckless government spending. It requires just the opposite.
“Unfortunately, the President defiantly struck a course for more of the same with another spending bill disguised as stimulus, a government takeover of health care disguised as reform, and a massive new tax on Americans disguised as clean energy initiatives.
“The President also struck a curiously partisan tone while lecturing others about the evils of partisanship. He certainly didn’t move away from liberalism or to the center.
“I will go to Washington and work with anyone, Republican or Democrat, willing to protect the things that make America exceptional. I will be a voice for Floridians in standing up to misguided ideas and policies, while offering clear alternatives.”