WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Following is a sampling of early reaction to President Bush's State of the Union address:

Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-New York
"The President finally acknowledged the problem of global warming and the need to develop alternative energy sources, but he did not offer a real plan to deal with climate change or to put us on a path to energy independence. The President finally addressed the need to deal with the health care crisis, but offered a proposal that does nothing make health insurance more affordable or accessible for the millions of uninsured and underinsured Americans. The President called for No Child Left Behind to be reauthorized this year, but has failed to ensure the funding needed to fulfill the promise of this landmark law. And instead of charting a new course in Iraq, including the political solution desperately needed, so that we can begin to bring our troops home, the President continued his defense of failed strategy and his escalation plan in Iraq.

Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio
"The President has laid out a series of ambitious proposals addressing the nation's priorities, and I hope Congress will give each a fair hearing...The American people demand more than criticism -- they want results...the President has outlined a new strategy for success in Iraq, but in order for this effort to be successful the Iraqi government must be held accountable. This week, House Republicans put forward a series of strategic benchmarks to help the President and our armed forces succeed in Iraq. If we fail in Iraq, or withdraw our troops prematurely, the terrorists will follow us home. Success is our only option."

Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Connecticut
"I'm heartened to hear the President speak about creating a sustainable energy independence plan, expanding health care access for the millions of Americans who are uninsured, tackling comprehensive immigration reform and ensuring educational success for all Americans...I remain steadfastly opposed to the President's plan for Iraq, sending thousands more of our nation's men and women into harm's way in a country in the midst of a civil war...Tomorrow in the Foreign Relations Committee, I will offer the legislation I introduced last week which limits troop levels in Iraq without new authorization by Congress in advance."

Former Sen. John Edwards, D-North Carolina
"President Bush's address tonight was heavy on rhetoric, but light on everything else. The American people said they wanted change and what they got was more of the same -- small ideas that won't make a difference in the lives of working Americans...President Bush's decision to adopt the McCain Doctrine and escalate the war in Iraq is terribly wrong. There is no military solution to this civil war. Instead of increasing the number of troops in Iraq, we should immediately withdraw 40-50,000 troops."

Sen. John Kerry, D-Massachusetts
"The President missed a golden opportunity tonight to admit that he made a mistake in Iraq and to share with the American people a plan for gradually removing our troops and allowing the Iraqis to solve the political crisis in Iraq...The Congress must stand up against Bush's plan to escalate the war with a new surge of troops and I will be introducing legislation shortly to demand that the Administration set a date for withdrawing troops from Iraq."

Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont
"I welcome the President's change in tone. I stand ready to work with the White House and with senators across the aisle on comprehensive immigration reform and on other pressing issues the President has discussed. But though President Bush's tone now sounds more accepting of other views, his basic policies so far have not changed...It is regrettable that the President has rejected opportunities for a change of course in Iraq."

Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Florida
"The President has laid out a targeted, ambitious, and positive agenda -- one that will benefit America. The President underscored the importance of winning the global war on terror. Nothing is more important to the future of our nation than standing up for freedom, democracy and the rule of law. Achieving our goals in Iraq is part of that war -- the President has laid out a plan for victory. It would be a terrible mistake for our country, and for the greater security in the Middle East, to fail in this test of wills."

Gov. Bill Richardson, D-New Mexico
"Welcome to the party, Mr. President, the rest of the country and the world have been talking and doing something about these issues for years. In addition to being years behind, what the President is proposing doesn't go far enough and isn't realistic...Ultimately we need a 'man-on-the moon' effort focused on energy independence. Anything less will not create the change necessary to make a lasting difference."

Former Gov. Mitt Romney, R-Massachusetts
"I welcome President Bush's proposed initiatives to make health insurance more available and affordable...I am especially encouraged by the President's initiative to help states find new solutions for individuals to buy health insurance. I believe the states are our best laboratories to find the best policy innovations to our health insurance crisis. As Governor, my state found a way to get all of our citizens covered without a tax increase and without a big government takeover."