GOP Senators Push Oil Ultimatum

By Mark Impomeni
Jul 24th 2008 3:45PM

Filed Under:eSenate, Democrats, Republicans, Featured Stories, Energy

Senate Republicans are threatening to block action on any non-energy related bill in in the Senate unless the Democratic leadership of the chamber agree to vote with Republicans to expand offshore drilling. Senate Minority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said that gas prices above $4 a gallon required the Senate and Congress to rearrange its priorities before taking the traditional August recess.
"We think there is nothing more important that we can do right now than to deal with the Number One issue of the country. This is the biggest issue since terrorism right after 9/11. People are pounding on their desks, saying, 'Why don't these people get together and do something about this problem?'"

Republicans have been relentlessly hammering the majority Democrats for their refusal to even allow a vote on expanded drilling. Sen. John McCain has been mentioning gas and oil prices at every opportunity on the campaign trail. The strategy appears to be working. Polls show that a majority of Americans agree that more offshore drilling should be allowed in this time of record high gas prices. And some elected Democrats have been coming around to the idea of allowing some expansion of exploration for oil and gas off the coasts. The Senate's number two Democrat, Sen. Dick Durbin, from Sen. Barack Obama's home state of Illinois, made news recently when he stated that he may be open to expanded drilling. Durbin said he was opposed to offshore drilling but added, "Beyond that, if there is a suggestion of some new area to go into, I'll look at it."

With precious little time in the legislative calendar before the campaign season gets into full swing in the fall, Republicans are attempting to focus the electorate on what they term as Democrats obstruction on domestic energy production. Republicans want voters to draw a direct connection between Democrats' opposition to drilling and high gas prices. In a year in which the electoral cards seem to be stacked against them, Republicans feel that they have found a winning issue on which to stake their chances in November.

Recent Comments

(Page 1 of 2)
New Users

Current Users

Add your comments:

Latest Elections News Headlines

    No current headlines. Please try again later.

    Political Machine Photo Galleries

    Candidates' Favorite TV Shows
    Democrats Debate in Las Vegas
    Laura's Trip to Middle East
    Political Sex Scandals
    The Not-So Traditional 2008 Candidates
    Al Gore's Ups and Downs
    Spokespersons!
    Candidate Spouses

    Politics Video

    Will.I.Am on Obama's Internet Empire

    Will.I.Am on Obama's Internet Empire

    Will.I.Am ponders on how Obama and the internet have changed politics forever. (Oct. 3)
    Mo Rocca 180: Dolly vs. Abe

    Mo Rocca 180: Dolly vs. Abe

    Dolly Parton or Abe Lincoln? You must choose!
    Reid: Presidential Politics Harming Bailout Plan

    Reid: Presidential Politics Harming Bailout Plan

    Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Friday that the time has come for presidential politics to leave the negotiating table as lawmakers work to reach an agreement on a financial bailout plan. (Sept. 26)
    Dems Blame McCain for Bailout Deal Breakdown

    Dems Blame McCain for Bailout Deal Breakdown

    Sen. John McCain's self-portrait as a bold leader willing to set politics aside to save an endangered financial bailout plan took a pounding Thursday from top Democrats and even some fellow Republicans. (Sept. 25)
    Street Team '08: Pigskin Politics

    Street Team '08: Pigskin Politics

    A football game is the last place you'd expect to find political proselytizing, but this year Democrats are ready to make a hail mary pass in Idaho. Produced by Brian Rich of Idaho for MTV's Choose or Lose Streat Team '08 at chooseorlose.com. (Sept. 25)
    « See More Politics Video
    Register to Vote with Declare Yourself

    Declare Yourself is a campaign that encourages young Americans to register and vote.

    REGISTER TO VOTE NOW AT:
    www.declareyourself.org