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2 Senators Agree To Sit Together For State Of The Union

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Two senators from different parties said they'll skip tradition and sit together during President Barack Obama's State of the Union address.

The decision by Republican Tom Coburn of Oklahoma and Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York comes amid calls for greater civility in political discourse following the fatal shootings last weekend at a political event in Tucson, Ariz.

Schumer said he and Coburn hope other lawmakers will follow their example and skip the partisan seating arrangements that usually come with joint sessions of Congress.

Schumer said it's a symbolic move but one he hopes will help set a more civil tone.

The State of the Union address is set for Jan. 25.

(Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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