Downstate Congressman Wants To Change Seating Arrangement For Obama Speech
WASHINGTON (CBS) -- A Republican Illinois congressman is tired of what he calls the toxic environment in Washington, and he wants to begin fixing it during President Barack Obama's jobs speech Thursday.
U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson (R-Urbana) and other members of the Center Aisle Caucus in the House circulated a letter to colleagues, asking them to forgo the traditional "Democrats on one side, Republicans on the other" seating arrangement.
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Johnson says his constituents want things to get done, and that requires bipartisanship.
"I think this is one step, maybe a first step of a number, in trying to elevate the dialogue; try to elevate the tone," Johnson said, "and if we don't do it, a pox on all of our houses."
Johnson says he's been in talks with a few of his Illinois colleagues from both sides of the aisle, who have indicated they'll sit together. Overall, he says the response to his idea has been overwhelming.
