Local State of the Union watch parties full of anticipation for Presidential visit

CEDAR RAPIDS - Denny and Karla Goettel opened their home to about thirty guests, republican and democrat, to watch the president address the nation for the first time in 2012.

"There's a lot of discussion about a lot of topics people need to hear,” Denny Goettel said.

But the real anticipation surrounds the president's visit to Cedar Rapids: Wednesday will be one stop on a five state tour over the next three days.

"The timing is awesome,” Karla Goettel said, “to have him come right after the State of the Union address says something about the importance of Cedar Rapids."

Even his supporters know it's a critical stop with GOP presidential hopefuls already aiming their attacks at President Obama.

"I want to hear him talk about the strengthening of the middle class, leveling of the playing field, and the idea people have responsibilities and should have opportunities,” said Peggy Whitworth.  Whitworth will be at Conveyer Engineering in Cedar Rapids where the president is scheduled to speak Wednesday afternoon.

The Goettel's say they jumped at the chance to host one of three watch parties in Cedar Rapids, because there is so much at stake for the nation, voters and the president.

"I think it's so important,” Karla Goettel said, “to just talk about issues it's a way to learn and make an educated decision with your vote."