Marathon Pundit: George Allen statement on the State of the Union address

George Allen, a Republican candidate for Senate in Virginia, issued a statement about tonight's State of the Union address.

Tonight, millions were hoping to hear President Obama deliver a new vision for a better future for our nation and our economy. Instead, we heard campaign-type promises and advocacy for the same failed agenda. The sad facts remain that his Administration's counter-productive energy, as well as regulatory, tax and spending policies have Americans enduring 35 straight months with unemployment over 8 percent, high gasoline prices costing us $30 more for each fill-up and downgraded creditworthiness for the first time in U.S. history.

I envision a better future than what we are experiencing now in the "State of our Nation." In the heart and spirit of the American people, there is a reservoir of optimism and belief in our ability to achieve the American Dream. Americans share my view that we should be limited only by our imagination, ingenuity and hard work. We must provide Americans with a competitive advantage for more jobs and investment; unleash our plentiful energy resources and creativity; and rein in the overreaching, overspending federal government.

I wish the President's actions truly followed Abraham Lincoln's words of limited, focused government. The chief responsibility of the federal government is our national defense and we all appreciate our troops, veterans and their families.

While his statement regarding energy efficiency in buildings is a worthy goal, I also hope he will allow Virginia to produce natural gas and oil off our coast.

While many people in today’s America have already seen their dreams diminished, I firmly believe the fight for our future can be won. We can spark a genuine comeback for America with empowering tax, regulatory and energy policies that help us recapture the promise of the American Dream for future generations and ourselves. With the right leadership for proven solutions, we can send the message to the world that "America is Open for Business, Again!"