Reaction to the President's State of the Union message is mixed along party lines in Louisiana.

Congressman Steve Scalise tells 99.5FM "it was disappointing that the President didn't spend more time focusing on the real problem, and that is the economy and trying to create jobs and get rid of some of these radical policies."

On the issue of tax reform, Scalise said, "The President talked about the need for tax reform, and I agree we need to reform taxes but not in a way that raises taxes on middle class families."

Senator David Vitter believes the president focused on the "right central theme, creating jobs."  But he added, "I think everything he's talking about is the same-old, same-old - more government programs and 'investment,' a code word for spending."

Vitter says the federal government should get out of the way "to allow Americans to produce more American energy...those can be great high-paying jobs to really boost the economy."

Governor Bobby Jindal said the president "doubled down on failed policies from the past while outlining his shortsighted vision of the future." 

"Taxes and spending will never be high enough for President Obama.  Every policy championed by the President is dependent on more money for government and more government control," Jindal said.

"It's time to grow the American economy, not the government economy, and the President must now show real leadership.  With four more years in office, he needs to step up to the plate and do the job he was elected to do," the Governor added.

Democrat Cedric Richmond said he applauds the president "for further articulating his vision and priorities for the American people."

"His focus has been steadfast and driven by the belief that we must stabilize our middle class if we want to thrive as a country, said Richmond.

Senator Mary Landrieu said she believes the president's focus on jobs and the economy "is exactly where we need to be."

"While this recession is our rearview mirror, we still need to do a lot of work to fully put it behind us."

Landrieu said she was pleased to hear the president discuss the benefits of natural gas development and the need for quality and affordable education for all children from birth to college.

She also said she does not believe it is right to single out the oil and gas industry for a "disproportionate share of debt and deficit reduction."

Noting that the industry has paid the federal government more than $100 billion since 2000 in taxes and other fees, Landrieu said "I will oppose any plan that seeks to treat our oil and gas companies as ATM's for our nation's debt."