GOP Charts Offshore Drilling Compromise

Rising energy costs may sway moderate Dems to cross lines
By Sam Biddle,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 8, 2008 11:12 AM CDT
GOP Charts Offshore Drilling Compromise
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is reaching out to Senate Democrats for a compromise on offshore drilling.   (AP Photo)

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is trying to forge a bipartisan coalition on domestic oil drilling, Politico reports. Republican senators believe they can sway enough moderate Democrats on an amendment to end a federal ban on coastline drilling—allowing a dramatic shift in US energy policy, and reaping a big victory for the GOP.

Republicans will have to concede some political ground if the maneuver is to succeed: “What the Republicans have proposed is not particularly aggressive,” one Democratic aide said. “Both sides will have to give a little. Republicans will have to give in on conservation, and Democrats will have to give in on domestic production.” (More offshore oil stories.)

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