Local Democrats react to State of the Union

2/12/2013 (Updated 11:37:10 PM)

BINGHAMTON -- Local Dems were watching the President's speech at Democratic Headquarters in Binghamton Tuesday night.

What interested them most was the President's reference to signs of an improving economy, citing job growth and re-charged industries-- and Americans buying more American cars again. It's a pitch that local party members find hope for the Southern Tier.

Broome County Democratic Chairman James Testani said, "I think it can improve in the next four years because it's been improving. Not at the rate that any of us would like to see it happen but we have had several successful quarters of growth."

April Templeman of Binghamton added, "It seems to me that the second term he's going to try very hard to approach these issues in a non-partisan way."

The one concern that Testani does have is the cut back in defense spending. He worries it could affect local companies such as Lockheed.