In Drilling, Right May Find Gold Mine of Support

Gingrich's 'Drill Now' online drive has seen huge conservative response
By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 1, 2008 2:08 PM CDT
In Drilling, Right May Find Gold Mine of Support
%u201CFor the first time in a while, it%u2019s an issue that%u2019s rallying all parts of the right," one conservative blogger says of energy policy.   (AP Photo)

Insiders warned it was risky for John McCain to reverse himself on offshore drilling, but the issue might yet prove the nucleus for a “right roots” movement to counter MoveOn, Politico reports. In the few weeks since the proposal entered the national conversation, 1.2 million people have signed a Newt Gingrich-sponsored petition favoring drilling, and conservative activists have been closing ranks.

“For the first time in a while, it’s an issue that’s rallying all parts of the right,” notes one such righty, who says Gingrich’s "Drill Now" message has broad appeal. Americans support drilling (if dropped gas prices is the payoff), but support falls when specific locations are involved. One grassroots lefty is unimpressed, however: “The rightroots is pretty much a silly mirage.” (More John McCain stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X