U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Springfield.)

In an interview following the address, Sen. Durbin said he supported many of the President's proposals especially improving manufacturing in Illinois which he characterized as a "home run issue for us."

Durbin added he believed the President's proposals faced stiff opposition in the House of Representatives.

"The mood in the House chamber was troubling to me. I felt Republicans really were just not receptive to President's ideas of moving forward. I think many are still in pain from the last election. The President and us too encourage them to work together. In the Senate, it is more promising on these issues. ... There's much more bipartisanship on this side of the rotunda. I hope the Senate can lead the way."

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Highland Park.)

"I share the President's optimism that America's brightest days are ahead of us. His willingness to improve economic stability should start with bipartisan proposals, like the shared pain of the entire Simpson-Bowles plan, not just a piece of it. If we can put aside our political differences and work together to pass a long-term solution, we would avoid the pending sequester and send a strong signal to our creditors that America remains a stable place to conduct business.

"In the wake of the Sandy Hook massacre and horrific gang violence on the streets of Chicago, we should work as a nation to reduce gun violence and save lives. I am proud to sponsor legislation with New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) to dry up the supply of illegal weapons to dangerous drug gangs which are responsible for 80 percent of homicides in Chicago each year. Additionally, I believe we can pass a universal background check bill this year to keep guns away from criminals and the mentally ill, while protecting law-abiding citizens."

U.S. Rep. Bill Enyart (D-Belleville)

"When I meet with folks across Southern Illinois, I hear the same concern over good jobs and what the future will look like for our kids and grandkids. Our families, workers, and small businesses have met the challenge of these tough economic times head-on, but it's not easy and finding stronger economic footing continues to be a hard climb. It's encouraging that the President focused on what must be the top priority -- creating good jobs and investing in manufacturing and infrastructure.

"Southern Illinois has a proud tradition of manufacturing, the hardest-working and most talented workforce, and farmers and agricultural producers that feed the world. We are also blessed with natural resources like coal that can power our communities and create new jobs. I wish I had heard more about how coal and a comprehensive Farm Bill can help secure our economy and support a stronger middle class."

U.S. Rep. John Shimkus (R-Collinsville)

"The President laid out an agenda for our nation that I disagree with. He proposed many ideas about making government bigger and more intrusive. He wants to raise taxes, limit gun ownership, and over-regulate the climate ... none of which will help grow the economy and reduce the unemployment rate. ...

"One of my overused refrains is that in order to have employees, you must have employers. Employers will not add jobs or start new business ventures when our government continues to create uncertainty about taxes and regulations. The President doesn't seem to get that.

"On the big issues of our budget, spending, and taxes, the President doesn't seem willing to work with the Republican majority in the House. In fact, he's moved farther away than ever."

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville)

"I agree that we need to come together with bipartisan solutions to our problems, and there are a number of the President's proposals that I agree with, such as repairs to roads and bridges and an all-of-the-above approach to domestic energy.

"But talk is cheap and it is up to the President to lead the charge on many of his proposals tonight. Instead of asking Congress to 'stop by' to talk about these issues, it is my hope that the President will be actively engaged with legislative leaders and Members of Congress.

"It is time for the President, legislative leaders and all members of Congress to get serious about the job we were sent here to do. We owe it to all Americans to stop being politicians and start being statesmen."

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (Democrat)

"As the President made clear tonight, cuts alone will not bring us to prosperity. We must reduce our deficit by taking a balanced approach that includes both reforms and closing loopholes. And making crucial investments in areas like education, infrastructure and manufacturing will pay dividends in the future, creating more jobs and growing the middle class.

"Illinois stands ready to do our part. As the President called for manufacturing hubs across the nation, we are already on our way to making the Illinois Manufacturing Lab a reality.

"Last week in my State of the State address, I announced a partnership with the University of Illinois and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications to create an advanced manufacturing hub where companies come to learn and access the world's most sophisticated tools and software."