Bill Nelson's camp calls Connie Mack out for oil-drilling flip flop

 Sen. Bill Nelson's adviser, Dan McLaughlin, declined all day and night to comment on yesterday's story about challenger Connie Mack's pipeline-petition plan, but the Republican's last quote in the story provoked the Democrat to comment in an email with the headline "come on ...":

Nelson is staunchly opposed to offshore drilling ... .  Mack has a different view.

“I have always said that I would be for drilling,” Mack said. “But I think that’s an issue the state should have a say in — in determining how far it’s going to be off the coast of Florida. We ought to allow the state to have a say in that decision.”

Previous Mack quotes:

“We all understand that America must find new sources of energy. But drilling off Florida’s sensitive coast won’t solve the nation’s current energy challenges and it won’t put us on a path toward achieving energy independence."

“Make no mistake, drilling for oil and gas off Florida's fragile coastline is a risky scheme that jeopardizes our environment and our economy. It won't reduce the price at the pump and it won't reduce our dependency on foreign oil. That's why the 285-mile buffer has been in place for years and why it should remain intact for many more years to come.

“I’m pleased that the House has tabled the reckless plan to open Florida’s coastline to offshore drilling. This risky scheme would have established a complex process for Florida to try to prevent drilling and it was riddled with loopholes that could have allowed drilling to take place just miles from our shore. While this victory is important for our economy and our environment, it is merely one in the larger battle to protect our fragile coast. Drilling proponents won’t stop here and neither will we. Congress needs to take real action to ban drilling off our shore and I look forward to working with my colleagues to do just that.”

“All of us want to ensure that the United States has the energy supplies we need now and in the future, and Congress needs to take real steps to help reduce the sky-high gas prices that are hurting millions of hardworking families. But allowing drilling off Florida’s pristine coastline won’t reduce America’s pain at the pump. Instead of taking steps that will expose Florida’s fragile environment and our economy to severe and irreparable harm, we would be better served by expanding America’s refining capabilities, investing in new energy technologies, furthering commercial and consumer adoption of more energy efficient products, and increasing conservation.”

“We are writing to express our grave concern regarding legislative efforts to weaken the existing offshore drilling ban off Florida’s fragile coastline.  As you know, the existing ban, which has had strong bi-partisan support, was put in place to protect Florida’s highly fragile ecosystem. Eliminating the drilling ban poses a clear danger to our environment and an economy that are inextricably linked.

Comments

[Jay Houk]

Bill Nelson: please retire. You been there long enough. You contribute nothing. Just like Obama. You think the USA could switch automobiles to an alternative source overnite. Huh? You do not fish commercially, you are an investor. I will vote for Connie Mack. I will vote for anybody but a democrat this year.

[KOOLTOZE]

I don't oppose Bill Nelson on his voting record in the Senate, but it appears to me that, rather than being a leader, he's almost always a follower, until he's up for re-election. Then he starts sponsoring legislation that the polls determine to be 'popular' with voters. I do not support Sen. Rubio's position on most issues, and am concerned about having two Republican Senators from Florida, as I also oppose the ideas and influence of Grover Norquist and Rush Limbaugh, who are too extreme for my moderate tastes. I hope the Herald will print more info on Connie Mack's background and record.

[CITIZENS OPINION]

There Billy Boy goes again. Jumping on any carpet that can fly him to an undeserved win. Like so many other political lacky's in the state of Florida. Another reason why its in the STATE its in.