Pawlenty criticizes Obama

Associated Press

Last update: August 2, 2008 - 10:19 PM

AMES, Iowa - Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty on Saturday said he doubts that Barack Obama would support offshore oil drilling as part of a compromise on a comprehensive energy policy.

Pawlenty, named as possible running mate to presumptive Republican nominee John McCain, was responding to Obama's statement on Friday that he would support offshore drilling if it were the key to an energy policy compromise.

"He's put so many contingencies around it that I wonder, in fact I question, whether he would do it at all," Pawlenty said after he helped open Republican campaign office in Ames. "It may be a way for him to gain favor during the election, and tube it later because all the contingencies weren't met."

Energy policy, particularly offshore drilling, has become a focal point of the campaign. McCain has supported offshore drilling, while Obama says it would do nothing to lower gas prices.

Obama spokeswoman Jenni Lee said the Democratic presidential hopeful is skeptical of the immediate effect of new offshore drilling, but "believes that finding consensus is essential to solving our energy crisis."

Pawlenty further criticized Obama, saying there is not one issue of national prominence where he has led the country. He said a vote for Obama "is the political equivalent of bungee jumping."

Pawlenty didn't discuss his prospects as a potential McCain running mate.

"I don't talk about the V.P. stuff anymore," Pawlenty said. "I just stopped talking about it because it became a distraction."

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Information from: The Des Moines Register, http://www.desmoinesregister.com

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