Dems push delay on drilling

Edited by Chris Graham
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The Democratic Party of Virginia is calling on Gov. Bob McDonnell to support President Obama’s call to delay any new offshore drilling projects until a full understanding of the causes of the recent disaster off the Gulf Coast can be determined.

McDonnell has indicated a desire to continue pushing ahead for drilling off the coast of Virginia without delay. In an interview on WTOP radio last week, he called the Gulf disaster a “setback,” but said he “continue(s) to be dedicated to making us first to drill, 2012 at the latest, and over the next couple years these safety and environmental issues will be addressed.”

“Gov. McDonnell’s misplaced priorities have struck again – and this time it’s our environment that is at risk,” said David Mills, executive director of the Democratic Party of Virginia. “When responsible leaders learn of relevant new information, they adapt their positions. Sen. Webb and Sen. Warner have agreed that the President’s call for a delay on new projects is the responsible course of action until the cause of the tragedy in the Gulf is determined — yet Gov. McDonnell continues to push for unrealistic timetables.”