Political pandering is no energy solution

Some folks - especially fans of offshore drilling - just won't take "no" for an answer, even when it's wrapped in legislation, signed by the governor and is the law of the land in Virginia.

We expected such stubbornness from the Bush administration, which was populated by people who somehow managed to pay lip service to the dangers of climate change while also doing nothing about it. And from legislators - including those from Virginia - who were bought and paid for by the petroleum industry.

None of that explains the political theater orchestrated by Bob McDonnell, the former attorney general and current Republican candidate for governor, that unfolded over the past week.

Last Friday, McDonnell asked the three Democratic candidates for governor to sign a letter. The missive requested that "Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar reject Governor Tim Kaine's recent errant request to further delay the sale of a lease for exploration and development of energy resources off the Virginia coast."

Needless to say, the Democrats weren't interested, either because they don't particularly want to anger the current occupant of the office, because they respect Virginia law or because they recognize the futility of drilling as a solution to just about anything.

In fact, Secretary Salazar, in a Feb. 10 statement, noted the new administration's own misgivings on the issue: "President Obama and I believe that we need to be honest about our energy future. A 'drill only' approach - onshore or offshore - is not enough."

McDonnell, of course, knew all along the Democratic candidates wouldn't join him. A central plank in Brian Moran's campaign opposes offshore drilling. Terry McAuliffe said he respects Virginia's current stance, which permits only exploration for natural gas.

Still, McDonnell must have thought there were political points to be made in what amounted to a pointless exercise: "I urge the Democratic candidates for governor to put aside their pandering to special interests and do what's right for Virginia families," his press release said. "Democrats need to stop saying no to new jobs and revenue for Virginia."

Too many issues in Virginia for too long have been used primarily to lever political advantage - whether it was gay marriage, gas taxes or the smoking ban. McDonnell has been deep in each of those battles, as he is now on offshore drilling.

Virginians have voted, again and again, for politicians who consider all the possibilities and find a solution without respect for political advantage. They have repeatedly rejected divisiveness in favor of practicality.

McDonnell's position on offshore drilling neither respects the position of Virginians nor the law of the land. It doesn't recognize that the federal maps under current use cheat Virginia, or that the current royalty scheme means Virginia gets nothing while taking all the risks.

McDonnell floated the issue, in this way and at this time, in part as political theater.

Unfortunately for his hopes of gaining advantage, the people in Hampton Roads know offshore drilling is too important an issue to be lost in the usual gamesmanship.