Leave it to Republicans to find a way to screw their own party.
(L)ast Friday, in stumbled Sens. Lindsey Graham, John Thune, Saxby Chambliss, Bob Corker and Johnny Isakson -- alongside five Senate Democrats. This "Gang of 10" announced a "sweeping" and "bipartisan" energy plan to break Washington's energy "stalemate." What they did was throw every vulnerable Democrat, and Mr. Obama, a life preserver.
That's because the plan is a Democratic giveaway. New production on offshore federal lands is left to state legislatures, and then in only four coastal states. The regulatory hurdles are huge. And the bill bars drilling within 50 miles of the coast -- putting off limits some of the most productive areas. Alaska's oil-rich Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is still a no-go.
Pardon my language, but what the hell are they thinking???? Drilling is the best issue Republicans have had for this dismal election cycle. It, quite possibly, could help win John McCain the White House and prevent a veto-proof Democratic Senate (and stop the bleeding in the House).
Republicans have a history of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, but this move defies logic. Why on earth, in a year when Republicans have been considered all but dead, would any GOPer help get Democrats off the hook on the one issue we have locked up? /cry
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