While First Lady Michelle Obama’s State of the Union guests have received the lion’s share of attention ahead of Tuesday’s speech, a colorful cast of characters will be in attendance for President Obama’s annual address to Congress.
Two stars of the Duck Dynasty cast flocked to the nation’s capital for the speech. Louisiana Republican Rep. Vance McAllister announced on Tuesday that he’s bringing Willie Robertson, whom he called a “friend, constituent and small business owner.” South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham announced on Twitter Tuesday evening that he had given a guest ticket to Robertson’s wife, Korie.
Proud to provide my guest ticket to tonight’s SOTU to Korie Robertson. #DuckDynasty @bosshogswife pic.twitter.com/UKSGePeHry
— Lindsey Graham (@GrahamBlog) January 28, 2014
The hit A&E reality show came under fire after Willie Robertson’s father, Phil, made insensitive remarks about gay men in a December article in GQ. The patriarch was briefly suspended but was given back his gig.
Joining them is Fox News’ Sean Hannity, who was invited by Texas Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert, according to the Dallas Morning News. Hannity, a conservative stalwart, has expressed interest in running for political office in the Lone Star State.
House Speaker John Boehner has invited “Ohio employers struggling under Obamacare.” That includes Joe Brown, president and CEO of Hartzell Propeller in Piqua, Wayne Deschambeau, president of Wayne HealthCare in Greenville, Laura Doerger-Roberts, president of Vinylmax Windows in Hamilton, and David Lippert, president of Hamilton Caster & Manufacturing Company.
“These men and women have one important thing in common: the president’s health care law is making it harder for them to hire,” Boehner said in a statement. “They represent the countless number of employers across the country who are struggling right now, and having run a small business, I know where they are coming from. Their presence at the State of the Union is one way to help ensure their stories are told.”
The purported target of the “Bridgegate” traffic jam, Fort Lee, N.J. Mayor Mark Sokolich, will attend the speech with New Jersey Democratic Rep. Bill Pascrell. Earlier this month, emails revealed Christie’s aides were involved in a plan to close traffic lanes on the George Washington Bridge,possibly for political payback against Sokolich.
Here are some other notable guests who have been invited to attend:









