http://www.newshoggers.com/blog/2008/08/mccain---betwee.htmlYesterday I reported that the WSJ's Kimberly Strassel was furious that the "gang of ten", including Republicans Lindsey Graham, John Thune, Saxby Chambliss, Bob Corker and Johnny Isakson, had sabotaged the only real issue that seemed to give John McCain traction over Barack Obama - energy and gasoline prices. This morning The Hill confirms that this may indeed be a no win situation for McCain.
McCain holds off backing ‘Gang of 10’ energy plan
Republican Sen. John McCain is not ready to embrace a bipartisan energy plan that could complicate his presidential campaign if Democrats advance the bill weeks before the November elections.
The bill is being drafted by some of his closest allies, including Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and offers a compromise on the roiling issue of offshore drilling.
Yet Tucker Bounds, a McCain campaign spokesman, said the Arizona senator is waiting to see legislative language before taking a position.
If McCain opposes the bill, it could appear that he is standing in the way of a compromise to soaring gasoline prices.
But if he backs it, McCain could cloud a clear distinction between the two parties on the issue that Republicans believe can swing the elections. (emphasis mine)
About the only thing that McCain opposed in the bill is a repeal of tax breaks for oil companies. This is not something that will gain him any support among those who are paying $4.00 a gallon for gasoline and see record oil industry profits at the same time.
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
