I‘ve commented before that Republicans in favor of drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge ought to travel to the part of the Coastal Plain where drilling might someday be allowed. Once you get there, you can see that it’s not exactly something to write home about: If voters see the ‘pristine beauty’ that many think should be opened for drilling, they might lost some of their affection for it. Looks like some Republicans have decided that’s the way to go:
As congressional Republicans step up criticism of Democrats for not allowing votes on legislation that would open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil exploration, House GOP Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, is expected to announce Thursday that he’s leading a group of 10 House Republican freshmen on a trip to ANWR next week, a senior Republican aide told CNN. Calling the trip the “American Energy Tour,” the Republican Members will stop first at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado on Friday, July 18. From there the group will travel to Alaska and visit Prudhoe Bay on Sunday, July 20th, and then embark on an aerial tour of the potential drilling area in ANWR. The group will also meet with local tribal leaders in the small community of Katovik, Alaska.
Prior to that visit by Boehner and some freshman Republicans, five GOP challenges will make the same trek:
Republicans who will be on that trip include Craig Williams, who will run against Rep. Joe Sestak (D-Pa.); Chris Lien, who is challenging Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D) in South Dakota; Paul Stark, who faces Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.); Luke Puckett, who takes on Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.); and Mike Sodrel, who is running against Rep. Baron Hill (D-Ind.).
Will the media give fair coverage to the visits, and ensure that the American people get a good view of what they’re paying more than $4.00 per gallon to preserve?
