Crist Angles For VP Slot: Endorses McCain’s Plan For FL Oil Drilling Despite Opposing It Last Week»

[babylonsister]

http://thinkprogress.org/2008/06/17/crist-offshore/

Crist Angles For VP Slot: Endorses McCain’s Plan For Florida Oil Drilling Despite Opposing It Last Week»


Yesterday, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) proposed lifting the federal ban on offshore oil drilling in Florida. “There are areas off our coasts that should be open to exploration and exploitation, and I hope we can take the first step by lifting the moratoria,” he said, a stark departure from his previous support of the ban.

As the Energy Information Administration noted, lifting the offshore drilling moratorium would have only a minor impact on production and prices. But some Florida conservatives are jumping on the McCain plan anyway. Gov. Charlie Crist (R-FL) — widely considered a possible McCain running mate — as late as last week opposed the drilling. Today, he flip-flopped and announced he supports McCain:

Crist, last week:

Q: Gov. are you dropping your opposition to drilling for oil off of Florida’s coast?
CRIST: I am not. … No. 1, I don’t like it.

Crist today:

I think that not having that blanket moratorium, and letting state’s rights be recognized, if you will, is certainly appropriate.

Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL) who was once “joined at the hip” with Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) in opposing offshore oil drilling, also linked up with McCain today:

I think it’s about providing enough resources where the states want to do it . … The governor seems to have agreed with him (on drilling) and I kind of agree with him so maybe things are changing in that regard.

Florida politicians of both parties “have worked to keep the drilling ban in force along Florida shores for more than 25 years,” the Miami Herald observed today. Many fear “it would harm the state’s beaches that are so vital to its tourism.” Former Governor Jeb Bush (R) has also pushed hard for the ban on drilling.

MSNBC noted today, “No Republicans in Florida have gotten elected statewide without endorsing the moratorium on off-shore oil drilling…if Crist tries to rationalize the McCain decision then we’ll really find out just how much he wants on the ticket.”

[saltpoint]

1. Ha! Just when McCain figured HE was the most egregious panderer in the

country, here comes Charlie Crist to show him that Florida Republicans can pander JUST AS MUCH and JUST AS EGREGIOUSLY.

So, there, McCain. Take THAT!

[babylonsister]

4. And don't forget Mel Martinez; they've all miraculously changed

their positions!

:hi:

[saltpoint]

6. LOL! What a bunch.

Puts me in the mood for a blue landslide in November!


:toast:

[MrModerate]

2. I've been thinking Crist must be close to the front of the pack . . .

of potential McCain veeps. He's genial, has won the respect of a broader swathe of Floridians than you might think possible, and generally comes off as much less of an asshole than most 'Licans. How could the GOP do any better, given their current talent deficit?

[spanone]

3. adios crist, floridians don't want oil drills off their coasts

is mccain handing us florida?

[babylonsister]

5. This almost seems intentional. Why would he shove this in

the face of Floridians? Makes no sense to me.