Republicans Say Voters Are Ready for their Message on Energy

By Eric Pfeiffer, CQ Staff Tue Jul 8, 12:34 AM ET

Republicans are hoping to turn the energy debate into one of their new signature issues, believing that the rising concern among voters, driven by the ripple effect of soaring gasoline prices, can work in their favor in a year when most issues have been trending in favor of Democrats.

That belief is based on a series of recent polls showing newfound support for offshore oil drilling and a dip in support for conservation.

"There's been a monumental shift towards exploration," said Josh Holmes, a spokesman for the Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.

A Pew Research Center study found support for increased energy exploration had risen from 35 percent in February to 47 percent in June. Likewise, those citing increased energy conservation as a priority dropped 10 points, from 55 percent to 45 percent. The same study also shows 50 percent of respondents favor drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), including 36 percent of Democrats and 48 percent of Independents.

Other recent polls from Rasmussen Reports, CNN, Fox News and Zogby have shown similar trends of increased support for offshore drilling.

Republicans hope be able to exploit this trend in the presidential election and to push legislation in Congress favorable to exploration and drilling. They also are looking to leverage the influence of outside advocacy groups. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich recently launched a new PR effort from his American Solutions organization entitled, "Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less," which seeks to increase support for increased energy exploration.

In addition, the Republican National Committee has produced a new ad for presumed presidential nominee John McCain entitled "Purpose." The ad emphasizes McCain's willingness to support both increased energy exploration, while also encouraging efforts to develop alternative energy sources such as electric batteries for cars.

"John McCain will call America to our next national purpose: energy security," the ad's narrator says. Finally, Republican Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Mel Martinez of Florida will hold a press conference today discussing what they are voter frustrations with gas prices. A recent working group of Republican senators discussing energy policy proposal drew more than 30 members.

However, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada said the Republican proposals would do nothing to reduce energy prices in the short run.

"Even if the Republican proposal were enacted, it would take years - even decades - to conduct exploration and begin drilling. And even then, the Republican plan wouldn't lower gas prices," Reid said in a statement. "Instead of proposing legislation that will just add more to the 68 million unused acres - and do nothing to reduce gas prices - Republicans should join Democrats to find solutions that work."

"We can walk and chew gum at the same time," Holmes said yesterday in a conference call with conservative bloggers, in reference to efforts to both increase energy exploration while pursuing forms of alternative energy. It was the second such conference call Senate Republicans have hosted on the issue in less than a week. Holmes said Republicans are willing to compromise with Democrats on energy proposals, an assertion Reid and other Democrats have challenged.

The question is whether Republicans can translate those improved poll numbers into increased support for their policies. Voters appear more motivated by the energy issue this year, but Republicans have to weigh that against the very real risk that voters will associate increased energy prices with President Bush and the Republican Party in general.

Democrats have been launching their own ads focusing on the energy issue. A series of new radio spots produced by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) features an impersonator of President Bush targeting North Carolina Rep. Robin Hayes features the faux president calling Republicans the "Grand Oil Party." The ad is featured on the DCCC homepage the same day Barack Obama makes a stop in Charleston to tout his economic proposals.

"Republicans are offering more of the same failed policies that got us in this mess in the first place," said DCCC spokesman Doug Thornell. "They've done everything in their power to block Democratic efforts to reduce gas prices and America's dependence on foreign oil."

Thornell pointed out that gas prices have risen to historic levels under the Bush administration and said, "The White House has been aided and assisted by House Republicans every step of the way." He said that the rising cost of gas could be a "severe vulnerability" for Republican candidates in the fall.

In fact, the price of gas has risen 182 percent since Bush took office to a historic high of $4.11 per gallon. A Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll released last month showed respondents blaming President Bush and oil company profits in nearly equal measure for the rising cost of gas prices, 29 percent to 25 percent respectively.