Note that, flip-flopping again, Grahamensty also signed the letter.
South Carolina Ping
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Posted on 09/13/2008 9:23:52 AM PDT by Maelstorm
U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., joined a group of senators Thursday in a letter asking Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell to allow the Oct. 1, 2008, expiration of current bans on American energy exploration and production.
The letter was authored by U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C. In addition to DeMint and Corker, the letter is signed by Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and 36 other Republican senators.
"We need a balanced approach that will allow us to produce more energy here at home and use less, with a strong emphasis on conservation as we move to alternative energy sources," Corker said in a news release.
"I support environmentally-friendly offshore oil drilling and oil shale production as a bridge to the future while we invest in alternative energy technology. The reality is we cannot make the transition to alternatives overnight."
The text of the letter, spearheaded by Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), follows:
"Dear Senators Reid and McConnell:
"It is our hope that Democrats and Republicans will stand together to support American Energy Freedom Day on October 1, 2008. On this day, the current prohibitions on oil and gas exploration off the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and in the oil-shale fields of the West will expire, giving Americans the freedom to access their own energy and providing them with relief from sky-high prices at the pump.
"We strongly encourage you to allow the expiration of these prohibitions on American energy exploration and production, as scheduled under current law, and we will actively oppose any attempt to extend them. Now is not the time to deny Americans access to their own energy supply.
"Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to working with you to ensure a victory for the American people on American Energy Freedom Day."
I've been emailing since I saw this. This is an opportunity not just for conservative campaigns but for America. We call win the House and Senate on this issue.
Tell Harry Reid to go ahead and shut off the lights on government because we are fighting to keep the lights on in America!
As sad is the story in Texas is, Hurricane Ike is actually the best possible argument in favor of an expanded, diversified policy of drilling that includes both coasts and Alaska as well as shale.
Is there a link to the list of Senators that are on this list? I’d like to know if Voinovich is putting his pen where his mouth is.
This country is NEVER going to not need oil. It is the life-blood of a wide variety of products, from fuel to medicines. We need oil and energy alternatives NOW to both avoid problems like those caused by hurricanes, but also to create jobs and stop sending our money to terrorist Middle East countries.
The Dems are going to lose and lose big on this issue alone, especially, if we have a colder than normal October here in the Northeast. $4.59/gal. average heating oil cost in my area. But the Dems never get it until it’s too late. and “I’m trying to save the planet” Pelosi is just an abject failure. We need to concentrate on taking back those Congressional seats and get that moron out of her chair. Third in line should be a scary enough consideration for any American entering a voting booth.
From Sen. Corker's website:
"In addition to DeMint and Corker, the following senators also signed the letter: Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Wayne Allard (R-CO), John Barrasso (R-WY), Bill Bennett (R-UT), Kit Bond (R-MO), Sam Brownback (R-KS), Jim Bunning (R-KY), Richard Burr (R-NC), Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), Tom Coburn (R-OK), Thad Cochran (R-MS), Norm Coleman (MN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Larry Craig (ID), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Pete Domenici (R-NM), John Ensign (R-NV), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Judd Gregg (R-NH), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Richard Lugar (R-IN), Mel Martinez (R-FL), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Richard Shelby (R-AL), Ted Stevens (R-AK), John Sununu (R-NH), John Thune (R-SD), David Vitter (R-LA), Georgia Voinovich (R-OH), John Warner (R-VA), and Roger Wicker (R-MS)."
I am pleased to see Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson on that list. Both had previously backed a water-down compromise that would have folded a winning hand. Donors with pitchforks obviously got their message across!
BTTT
Where is Liz Dole? One day she is against drilling; then she is for drilling (for election purposes). Where is she now? Come Libby sign the letter!
Yes but 4 GOP Judas's could join them.
Actually the list includes 40 named Republican names including John Thune who was also listed in that mixed group of ten senators where the Republicans tried to give away the High Ground. With McConnell, the 41 Republicans would be enough to protect a filibuster so no veto would be necessary by Bush.
Note that, flip-flopping again, Grahamensty also signed the letter.
South Carolina Ping
Add me to the list. / Remove me from the list.
Yes I love Jim Demint. This is the perfect setup for a political layup of the century.
If DeMint is for it then I OK with it... Chambliss and the rest of the gang of 10 scum must be PO’d
Elizabeth Dole cannot be bother with these little matters. She is busy planning her social agenda with the DC cocktail party crowd.
It’s very suprising lil dickie burr, the manly fellow, had the courage to sign.
Awesome! Voinovich is on the list. Thanks for the info! :)
This is perfect timing for the McCain camp and it will be a major issue in the homestretch. This is the most popular issue the GOP owns right now.
.....With 36 GOP Senators on board it makes it impossible for the Rats to override a sure veto.....
Where are the mooonbats on this? I’ve seen no pieces showing moonbats outside congressional offices demanding the renewal, None marching on the streets, not even msm castigation.
It would seem to me that the issue is quietly going away with inaction. Unless there is super strong full court press by the enviros, it seems Reid can sit on his ahnds and be ok.
Well, I guess I owe Sen. Corker a nicer email than the last couple I’ve sent. I was a bit steamed when I found out he was one of the “Gang of Ten” and let him know it, and let him know why.
He replied and a couple of things still didn’t sit right, so I emailed back letting him know what still bothered me. Haven’t heard back on that one but I know he’ll reply eventually. He always does.
I don’t even get an automated reply from Alexander.
Sen. Corker deserves a thank you for this one so I’ll do it right now.
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