WASHINGTON – Maine’s congressional delegation generally reacted favorably to President Bush’s State of the Union address.

“The president detailed an agenda tonight around which America can unite,” said Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe. “His leadership has brought unity to our nation in the wake of last fall’s terrorist attacks. Now he has outlined a plan that will further improve our national and homeland security, while investing in personal, economic and retirement security.”

Rep. John Baldacci of Bangor said he agreed that “the state of the union and the people’s will is strong and that we are going to get through the current challenges overseas and at home with an increase in homeland security.” Baldacci went on to say that, overall, the president gave a good speech on some important points although he did not go into too many details.

“I was encouraged by his interest in education, schools, teachers, health care and the need to extend unemployment benefits.” Baldacci said.

Sen. Susan Collins said, “It was a terrific and inspiring speech that showed clear vision and was very uplifting. I liked his emphasis on national security and homeland and economic security and appreciated his call to national service.

“His call for doubling the funding to firefighters, police and emergency services will be especially helpful to Maine, as will his efforts to increase border and port security,” Collins said.

Rep. Tom Allen said, “The speech was mostly a celebration of our military success, and appropriately so. What has happened in the last few months is really remarkable and our military deserves a lot of credit.”

But Allen expressed some reservations. “I am concerned that the president asked for the largest tax cut in a generation last spring and now wants to increase spending dramatically. It will be the responsibility of Congress to make our budget work so that we are not borrowing from our children’s future, so we will have to make the math work,” said the Portland Democrat.