Smith dodges a bullet

GOP to Strike Arctic Drilling From House Bill

House GOP leaders agreed last night to strip plans to permit oil drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and in the offshore continental shelf from a $54 billion budget-cutting measure, probably securing the votes to pass the bill today.

The move is a blow to President Bush, who has made expanded oil exploration a priority since he took office. Lawmakers said the White House applied pressure yesterday to Republicans to save the drilling provisions, especially in Alaska, even wooing conservative Democrats who have steadfastly opposed the GOP budget package.

But the Democrats did not budge, and at least 22 Republicans told the House leadership they would not vote for the sweeping bill unless the drilling provision was removed and they were given assurances that it would not return after House and Senate negotiators hash out a final measure.

As we reported in Not a moderate but he plays one on TV and A wingnut in moderates clothing Gordon Smith has tried to convince the voters of the blue state of Oregon that he is a moderate. While he talks like a moderate he all to often votes and acts like a wingnut. Drilling in ANWR is just the latest example. While talking the good talk when pressured by the Republican leadership Smith buckled. While ANWR may once again escape drilling we must let Smith know we don't trust him.

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