Speaking of which, advocates of opening up Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling say they are just one vote shy of getting their wish. As a result, they’re upping the pressure on four senators seen as potential swing voters: Norm Coleman (R-Minn.), Gordon Smith (R-Ore.), and Mark Pryor and Blanche Lincoln, both Arkansas Democrats. None of the four supports drilling in the refuge, but nor do they denounce it as strongly as the rest of the opposition. Coleman, for instance, has expressed interest in compromise plans where drilling proponents promise to limit the environmental impact or secure millions for biodiesel development, and Smith describes his position on drilling as “not now but not never.” The Senate could vote on the issue as early as next week as part of the annual budget legislation, which cannot be filibustered and only requires 50 votes to pass.
