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But Walz and Davis sharpened their remarks in follow-up interviews, as both described the other’s rhetoric on offshore oil drilling as empty and misleading. Both say Congress should counter high gas prices by opening more land off the U.S. coast to oil drilling, though the candidates differ on how much land and what the impact would be for consumers.
Walz, a first-term lawmaker whose southern Minnesota district includes the Winona area, supports a plan to lift bans on drilling in areas 25 or more miles offshore. The measure, which has bipartisan support, also would use royalties from private drilling leases to fund increased investment in alternative energy.
But Davis — who supports even larger increases in offshore drilling — said Walz hasn’t acted fast enough on the issue. He criticized Walz for voting to adjourn the House of Representatives in July without having voted to increase the amount of offshore land where drilling is allowed.
“By his votes, he was an obstructionist; by his rhetoric, he talks about compromise,” Davis said.
Polls have shown that a majority of Americans support increased offshore drilling, though polls also have shown support for increasing fuel-efficiency standards and other measures. Davis — who also wants to allow drilling in the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge — said drilling there and offshore wouldn’t solve the energy crisis but would be a first step toward a comprehensive solution.
Walz countered that many offshore areas already open to drilling aren’t being tapped. He has supported a measure intended to increase production by forcing companies to drill on oil-rich land or lose their leases. Walz also said allowing drilling in ANWR and in new offshore areas would have a minimal impact on prices at the pump.
“There’s a short-term sloganeering going on without a lot of thought,” Walz said of Davis’ position.
Davis was endorsed by First-District Republican delegates in March and will face Sen. Dick Day, R-Owatonna, in a Sept. 9 GOP primary.
Day said he also supports broad increases in drilling offshore and in ANWR; he added that conservation and lifestyle changes can provide more relief for many Americans.
“If we have oil, let’s at least see what’s there, and let’s get what we can get,” Day said.
Mark Sommerhauser may be reached at (507) 453-3514 or at msommerhauser@winonadailynews.com
