Speaker John Boehner has released the list of guests who will be sitting in his box during tonight's State of the Union:
- Ms. Jeanette Hernandez Prenger, CEO, ECCO Select, Kansas City, Mo. Jeanette, the chief executive officer of a Kansas City-based data management firm, received the Enterprising Women of the Year award for 2013 from Enterprising Women magazine. The award honors successful women business owners who mentor or actively support other women and girls involved in entrepreneurship and stand out as leaders in their communities.
- Miss Laci Joseph, Student, Washington, D.C. Laci, a fourth grade student at St. Anthony Catholic School in Northeast Washington, D.C., is an Opportunity Scholar in the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship program. Laci's favorite subject is spelling, and she is active in the school choir. When she grows up, she would like to be a teacher or hair stylist. She will be accompanied by her father, Mr. Henry Joseph, III.
- Mr. Jason Barlow, President, UAW Local 402, Springfield, Ohio. Jason is employed by the Navistar truck company, which employs thousands of American workers in Ohio and Illinois, including many in Speaker Boehner's congressional district. Jason will be joined by his wife Rachele.
- Ms. Gail McGovern, President & CEO, American Red Cross. Ms. McGovern has served as president and CEO of the American Red Cross since 2008, and has overseen the organization’s response to many high-profile disasters, including Hurricane Sandy. Under her direction, the Red Cross eliminated its operating deficit in 2009 and is paying down its debt.
Isn't someone missing? I can think of one young entrepreneur with already sizable platforms who would definitely expand the appeal of the House GOP. Also, she is already in the news. And she's related to a Republican member of Congress. WHY DIDN'T BOEHNER INVITE KATE UPTON TO THE STATE OF THE UNION??
It's not like she's without ample achievements. Today marks her second consecutive appearance on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. Also, she is an accomplished actress and the spokeswoman for Mercedes Benz and the popular Carl's Jr. restaurant chain. The GOP doesn't want the SOTU to be a complete bust. Upton's can-do attitude could help solve the party's downward curves when it comes to the support of confident young female Americans. Voters would be knocking on our door. Her attendance would dominate the news cycle.
Then after the speech Upton could teach the joint session how to Dougie.