Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.) announced plans Monday to boycott President Obama's State of the Union address.
In a statement, Lamborn said he won't be in attendance Tuesday when Obama addresses a joint session of Congress, in protest of his belief that the president will use the high-profile event for political gain. He says he'll watch on television instead and isn't attempting to get his colleagues to follow suit.
Lamborn, who made it clear that it would be the first State of the Union he has skipped, said he "believes the President is in full campaign mode" and will take the opportunity to launch attacks on his "political opponents." He also expressed his disapproval over the administration's rejection of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, as well as Obama's recent decision to recess appoint his nominees to head both the National Labor Relations Board and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Lamborn, who was named the "most conservative" member of Congress by National Journal in 2010, became embroiled in controversy last year when he referred to Obama as a "tar baby." He later apologized in a personal letter to the president.
While Lamborn claims that, as far as he knows, he is the only Republican passing on attending the address, Rep. Paul Broun (R-Ga.) -- who last year tweeted during the address that Obama believed in "socialism" -- claimed that he watched the State of the Union every year from his office.
Lamborn's full statement, via National Journal:
"This is the first SOTU speech Lamborn has passed on.
Congressman Lamborn has attended all the past SOTU addresses. As for what makes this year's speech different, Congressman Lamborn but believes the President is in full campaign mode and will use the address as an opportunity to bash his political opponents.
As far as he knows, he is the only Republican who will pass on attending SOTU. He is doing this on his own and is not trying to coordinate this with any other Members. Congressman Lamborn is doing this to send a clear message that he does not support the policies of Barack Obama, that they have hurt our country.
Congressman Lamborn respects the President personally, and the office of the President.
Congressman Lamborn is protesting Obama's recent 'recess appointments' to the National Labor Relation's Board and newly-created Consumer Protection Board. He is protesting Obama's decision to reject the job-creating Keystone Pipeline. He is protesting the President's draconian cuts to defense.
Lamborn wants to send a strong, clear message that President Obama's deficit spending cannot continue.
Congressman Lamborn plans to watch the speech on television."