Editor’s Note: This is the Republican reaction to President Bush’s State of the Union address. For the Democratic reaction, click here.

With the dominance of the Democrats in the House of Representatives and the Senate, members of the ISU College Republicans weighed in on President Bush’s State of the Union speech.

One of Bush’s main points was the need to expand ethanol and renewable fuels, said Don McDowell, president of ISU College Republicans and junior in political science.

“This is the future and we need to embrace it,” McDowell said. “[This leads to] continued growth of markets and jobs for our state.”

McDowell said Bush spoke the most about foreign policy.

“He didn’t limit it to just the Middle East or Iraq,” he said. “He discussed AIDS and worldwide hunger.”

McDowell said the president will go down as a president who has been aggressive in his foreign policy.

“He is right when he says, ‘If you don’t agree with my polices, what are yours?” McDowell said.

Stephanie Lichter, sophomore in political science and member of ISU College Republicans, said it is important to stay strong and supportive.

“I think that national defense is very important – I think that is top priority,” Lichter said.

“There are a lot of young men and women in Iraq and you can’t quit supporting them,” Lichter also said.

McDowell said there are a lot of people who disagree with the president but he is moving forward to make sure the country is on track.

“If we leave Iraq tomorrow we will have to continue dealing with them in the future,” he said.

Luke Martz, sophomore in political science and member of ISU College Republicans, said that although the Democrats criticize the president’s policy in Iraq, at least he has a laid-out plan of action.

“I would have a lot more respect for the Democrats if they had a solid plan,” Martz said.