Davis, Simon maneuver over drilling

A long-simmering environmental dispute over oil drilling off the California coast has exploded into full-blown political theater, pitting Gov. Gray Davis and Republican challenger Bill Simon in a battle of one-upmanship.

Last week, the White House waded into the debate on behalf of Simon, catapulting the conservative Pacific Palisades businessman into the spotlight on an issue that the Democratic governor once claimed as his own.

Simon said Davis' efforts to limit offshore oil drilling have failed because he "handles situations adversarially rather than through a collaborative process."

Davis said Friday that Simon "is trying to masquerade as a savior of the coast."

Them's Fightin' Words ,Pahdner .. Well, Almost!
DUMP DAVI$ & the Den of Socialists

GO SIMON

"Davis said those decisions were made during his tenures as state controller, lieutenant governor and governor. In all of those cases, he said, the wells were on old leases in Long Beach and Wilmington, where companies had already received permission to drill."

This is just another Davis lie. Davis has also been involved with approving exploration and production drilling in the Santa Barbara Channel. Davis, as a member of the California State Lands Commission (comprised of the Controller, Lt. Governor, and a representative of the Governor) has the statutory responsibility to approve or deny ALL drilling requests in California offshore lands.

Davis, as Controller and Lt. Governor, was well known for "squeezing" applicants for campaing money - making sure it was not a quid pro quo that was too obvious. I know many an oilman and independent operator who got the Davis squeeze over the years. Anyone who is will to do the research will find that if Davis voted yes on the project, there was a campaign donation just before or after the fact. His other "modus operandi" was to get applicant to arrange land swaps or contribute to other Davis causes.

Sun was out a little earlier than normal today, but it is decently cool here by the beach!

OC Register has some stuff on Simon that may give him problems.

calgov2002:

calgov2002: for old calgov2002 articles.

calgov2002: for new calgov2002 articles.

Other Bump Lists at: Free Republic Bump List Register

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.