Politicians scramble to shore up position on offshore drilling

By Jay Warren
WSLS10 Anchor
Published: July 15, 2008

It’s the pain everyone feels from coast to coast: sky high gas prices. This week, President Bush moved to lower those prices by calling for lifting the ban on offshore oil drilling.

It’s a move that could have long term impacts, but Bush admits it won’t produce any oil in the short term. So, what’s he up to?

“Talk is action in Washington,” said WSLS Political Analyst Dr. Bob Denton.

Denton says by stepping up to the mic, the president shows he gets it.

“It reinforces the image that I am a leader. I am listening. And, I am doing.”

That’s exactly what Republican Senate candidate Jim Gilmore was up to last week, when he stopped in Radford and Roanoke County to pump gas at local stations. While he was there, Gilmore promised if elected he’d fight to increase domestic oil production, eagerly taking on the federal government.

WARREN: “GOVERNOR, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SAID THAT IF YOU INCREASE DOMESTIC OIL PRODUCTION IT WON’T REALLY IMPACT PRICES OR THE AMOUNT PRODUCED UNTIL THE YEAR 2030.”

GILMORE: “Bologney.”

WARREN: “THAT’S THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.”

GILMORE: “I don’t care what the federal government says. We know that that’s not right. The fact is we can bring in the oil quicker than that.”

Even President Bush doesn’t necessarily agree with that.

“I readily concede, that, you know, it’s not gonna produce a barrel of oil tomorrow,” Bush said.

Fast relief or not, the push to drill offshore sends a clear message.

“It’s among the most visible actions one could take,” Dr. Denton said.

So much so, the Democrat’s Senate candidate, Mark Warner, says he’s for *exploring* offshore drilling. He even highlights his support in a new television ad released today.

Politicians from the left to the right seem to be moving in the same direction on this issue.

Dr. Denton says the reason is simple.

“It makes us feel very good and for the average voter that’s what they want more than anything else.”