McConnell turns energy policy critique on Obama

After hammering away at opponent Bruce Lunsford (D-Louisville) for days because of his opposition to increased domestic oil drilling, Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Louisville) has turned his criticism on the issue to a newer, higher-profile target.

Speaking on the Senate floor today, McConnell sezied upon comments made by presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama (D-Illinois) during a Tuesday appearance on cable channel MSNBC, when Obama said he would have preferred a "gradual adjustment" in gas prices.

"Yesterday we heard the Democrat nominee for President suggest that rising gas prices aren't the problem," said McConnell. "The problem, he suggested, is that they've gone up too fast. He said he would prefer a ‘gradual adjustment."

Senator Obama opposes increased domestic drilling, particularly in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge - the principal venue for oil exploration proposed in McConnell's now-dormant energy legislation.

During his primary campaign, Obama also announced his opposition to the so-called "gas tax holiday" proposed by then-opponent Senator Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) and presumptive Republican nominee, Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.)

The Democratic candidate has instead stressed increased fuel efficiency standards for automobiles.

"The position outlined by the Democratic nominee shouldn't be a surprise to most Americans, given that Washington Democrats have repeatedly refused to allow increased energy production here at home - even though, as we all know, increased supply leads to lower prices," added McConnell.

"When our friends on the other side agree to the same, we'll believe that they're serious about lowering gas prices. Until then, we'll be left to conclude they all support the ‘gradual adjustment' advocated yesterday by their nominee," said McConnell.

The critique of Obama's statement comes after McConnell earlier associated Lunsford with Obama shortly after Lunsford clinched his party's Senatorial nomination.

After Obama lost the Democratic primary in Kentucky by 35 points, there is speculation - with match-up polls providing support - that the Illinois Senator will have a hard time carrying the state.

Whether the down-ballot impact of Obama's candidacy could hurt Lunsford is a key question for that campaign and Kentucky Democrats.

The "gradual adjustment" comments in question came during Obama's interview on MSNBC yesterday.

"I think that we have been slow to move in a better direction when it comes to energy usage. The President, frankly, really hasn't had an energy policy," said Obama. "As a consequence, we have been consuming energy as if its infinite. We now know that our demand has badly outstripped its supply, with China and India growing as rapidly as they are."

When asked by the interviewer if high prices could help the nation, Obama responded:

"I think that I would have preferred a gradual adjustment. The fact that this is such a shock to American pocketbooks is not a good thing," said Obama. "If we take some steps right now to help people make the adjustment, first of all by putting more money in their pockets, but also by encouraging the market to more quickly adapt to these circumstances, - particularly U.S. automakers."