from CBS News:
A proposal for Democrats and Republicans to sit among each other during the State of the Union next week is gaining momentum, but one House Republican said in a radio interview that he thinks the idea is a "trap."
In the wake of the tragic shooting in Tucson, Ariz. earlier this month that left Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) critically wounded, Democratic Senator Mark Udall of Colorado suggested that members of the House and Senate end the practice of divided seating along partisan lines during the State of the Union, in the name of civility. Several congressmen have agreed to the mixed-seating plan, but don't expect to see Republican Rep. Paul Broun of Georgia sitting with any Democrats.
In an interview with conservative radio host Scott Hennen, highlighted by the liberal media watchdog group "Media Matters," Broun said he was suspicious of the Democrats' motivations for the mixed seating.
....(snip)....
"What the Democrats are going to be doing when Barack Obama spews out all his venom, then, if they're scattered throughout all the Republicans, then it won't be as noticeable as if we're sitting apart," Broun continued. "So it is a ruse and I'm not in favor of it and I'm talking about it and I hope other members of the Republican conference in the House will not take the bait." .......(more)
The complete piece is at:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20029216-503544.html