Mark Udall Runs Another Ad Saying He Supports "Responsible Drilling"

August 22, 2008 2:45 p.m. EST

Denver, CO (AHN) - Despite criticisms that he had made a "u-turn" on his stance on expanding coastal oil exploration, Rep. Mark Udall (D-CO) launched another TV ad on Thursday saying all of the nation's resources, including offshore oil, should be used to solve the energy crisis.

"It's called the 'middle-class squeeze.' But today, it's more like we're being choked," Udall says in the 30-second spot titled "Chokes." "Gas prices, food prices, heating our homes - it's all about energy. And we need to attack this crisis with everything we've got."

"Responsible drilling here in America, fast-tracking energy alternatives that create Colorado jobs, and cracking down on Wall Street speculators who drive up the price of gas," he adds. The lawmaker earlier ran an ad showing workers drilling for oil while he says, "We've got to produce our own oil and gas here in our country and keep it here to power America's economy."

Udall, a prominent environmentalist, announced his support for a bipartisan energy measure that allows offshore drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and provides funds to develop clean energy technologies. His new stance comes amid growing public support for offshore drilling, and Democratic concessions to break an impasse in Congress over an energy bill.

A Quinnipiac University said 59 percent of Colorado voters support drilling in protected offshore areas, while 37 percent oppose the idea and 4 percent are undecided. The same poll said Schaffer had closed a 10-point deficit, a gain pundits had attributed to the Republican's support for increased offshore exploration.

Democrats want oil companies to drill in current lands leased to them, but Republicans argue these lands will not produce enough oil to compensate for the costs of drilling. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), an adamant opponent of expanding coastal exploration, said last week Democrats would introduce a bill drilling in some portions of the OCS when Congress resumes session next month.

Udall currently leads Schaffer, 44-38 percent, in the latest Rocky Mountain News/CBS 4 poll.