STATE OF THE UNION RESOURCES

If you want to insure that what you heard last night is accurate, the Gainesville Sun has the full transcript of both President Bush's State of the Union address and the Democratic Response given by Sen. Harry Reid (D - Nevada) and Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (D - California).

You may have heard some of the talking heads discussing a "Republican Playbook" for party legislators to use in pushing Bush's crazy Social Security idea. Thanks to Tallahassee blogger Florida News , we have the 103 page document for your reading pleasure (In pdf format; Adobe Acrobat Reader required).

And some quotes from the congressional representatives who make Polk County part of their district, thanks to the Lakeland Ledger (the story also contains responses from the newspaper's Reader Advisory Poll):

Congressman Adam Putnam (R - Bartow): "I'm pleased that he became more specific about what Social Security reform is and what it is not," Putnam said. "The principles he laid out are solid: It will not affect those 55 and older, younger people have the option to build a nest egg, and it protects people for excessive risk."

Like the lapdog he is, Putnam is right on board...no surprise here.

Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (R - Brooksville): "I am delighted that he has assurances for those who are 55 and older," she said. "(But) I still want to know the total cost. I have a quarter of a million people in my district receiving Social Security and how the plan affects them will affect my vote."

Sounds like she really wants to jump through the hoop, like Putnam, but is scared s**tless of a probable backlash from her constitutents. She's vunerable in 2006, and this vote may very well determine her chances for reelection.

One interesting note from the Ledger piece: Of the five individuals quoted from the Reader Advisory Network, a group of people the newspaper has to discuss events and issues, only one is a registered Democrat, compared with three Republicans and an independent who spoke favourably of Bush's proposals. A little out of balance...