John McCain, this is a winning issue (UPDATED)

And you need to pursue it with verve and vigor, piss and vinegar:

Sen. John McCain called yesterday for an end to the federal ban on offshore oil drilling, offering an aggressive response to high gasoline prices and immediately drawing the ire of environmental groups that the presumptive Republican presidential nominee has courted for months.

The move is aimed at easing voter anger over rising energy prices by freeing states to open vast stretches of the country's coastline to oil exploration. In a new Washington Post-ABC News poll, nearly 80 percent said soaring prices at the pump are causing them financial hardship, the highest in surveys this decade.

"We must embark on a national mission to eliminate our dependence on foreign oil," McCain told reporters yesterday. In a speech today, he plans to add that "we have untapped oil reserves of at least 21 billion barrels in the United States. But a broad federal moratorium stands in the way of energy exploration and production. . . . It is time for the federal government to lift these restrictions."

Pursuing this is especially smart when your opponent is being a complete idiot on the same issue:

Democratic Sen. Barack Obama joined the criticism, calling the idea of lifting the ban the wrong answer to out-of-control energy prices. "John McCain's plan to simply drill our way out of our energy crisis is the same misguided approach backed by President Bush that has failed our families for too long and only serves to benefit the big oil companies," Obama spokesman Hari Sevugan said.

John McCain, a huge favor has just been handed you.  Do yourself and the country the temerity to jump on this like stink on poop.

UPDATE: Within seconds of posting this, Morgan comes through with relevant data:

Congressman Roy Blunt put together these data to highlight the differences between House Republicans and House Democrats on energy policy:

    ANWR Exploration House Republicans: 91% Supported House Democrats: 86% Opposed

    Coal-to-Liquid
    House Republicans: 97% Supported
    House Democrats: 78% Opposed

    Oil Shale Exploration
    House Republicans: 90% Supported
    House Democrats: 86% Opposed

    Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Exploration
    House Republicans: 81% Supported
    House Democrats: 83% Opposed

    Refinery Increased Capacity
    House Republicans: 97% Supported
    House Democrats: 96% Opposed

    SUMMARY

    91% of House Republicans have historically voted to increase the production of American-made oil and gas.

    86% of House Democrats have historically voted against increasing the production of American-made oil and gas.

It's useful to keep this sort of thing in mind when we hear (on something like a daily basis these days) that the Republicans have run out of ideas or that Republican ideas didn't work. The truth is that most major Republican ideas weren't tried because the Democrats blocked them.

Comments

[Locutisprime]

There is no doubt in my mind that come November, the number one priority issue in the majority of voters mind's, will be the price of oil and the resulting rise in inflation in America across the board.

Therefore, he who comes forth the fastest with the most-est and the best-est to address that issue, will be the man who gets the peoples votes.

John McCain's proposals make sense. But it is the David vs. Goliath battle to beat back the EPA and other federal regulatory giants needed to accomplish that, he better have more than a sling and three stones. He better have the facts and figures and the immediate results of provable action and results.

Meanwhile and once again, the only solution tendered by Obama, is to raise taxes and initiate wind fall taxes on the oil companies. Which as we know will accomplish only one of two things. Either the oil companies will reduce production to limit their tax liability, or they will pass the increased tax onto the consumers.

At which time it will boil down to who will scream uncle first and loudest.

I am betting on the people.

[tim aka The Godless Heathen]

It would seem McCain does indeed need to pursue this vigorously.

“Obama held double-digit leads over McCain as the candidate more trusted to deal with gasoline prices and energy policy.”

Besides ending the federal ban on offshore oil drilling the article states also that “ McCain backs federal subsidies for building more nuclear power plants…”

While also stating that “Obama backs using money raised through an auction of greenhouse-gas emissions credits to bolster research and development projects”.

McCain’s positions carry concrete solutions while Obama’s are merely entrenched in hope (which is great if you still believe in the Easter Bunny).

Please McCain, rarely do things get handed to someone in an election so take advantage of this pronto.

[Locutisprime]

“Obama backs using money raised through an auction of greenhouse-gas emissions credits to bolster research and development projects”.

That comes chapter and verse, from the Kyoto treaty. Something Onama has already said that he will buy America into.

Those unfamiliar with carbon credits and the effect of unreachable goals as mandated by the UN, need only look at what has happened to New Zealand since buying into the global warming hysteria and capitalist killing aspects of Kyoto.

and never forget, Kyoto was designed created and aimed purposely as a dagger in the heart of America.

[tim aka The Godless Heathen]

"Those unfamiliar with carbon credits and the effect of unreachable goals as mandated by the UN, need only look at what has happened to New Zealand since buying into the global warming hysteria and capitalist killing aspects of Kyoto."

Sound like a good post to me Locutisprime.

[Marc V]

I would steer clear of oil shale. There's not much energy return on it (large input energy to mine it and process it using natural gas to superheat water and boil out the crude), and the water usage would not be practical in the arid Western US. Let the Canadians ramp up what they have and see just how feasible it is, as well as determining the environmental damage it causes.

Coal-to-liquid is similar (low energy return for energy invested). Let's leave coal for the electric plants and continue to research non-foodstock biofuels ... and definitely switch ethanol plants off of corn. What a mistake.