McCain says he hasn’t ruled out changing his long-held position against drilling in ANWR

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http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/08/18/political-perceptions-will-mccain-endorse-drilling-in-alaska/

Political Perceptions: Will McCain Endorse Drilling in Alaska?

Will Sen. John McCain, who already has reversed himself to come out in favor of drilling for oil off America’s coasts, do the same and endorse drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife refuge in Alaska? The Weekly Standard’s Stephen F. Hayes thinks maybe so—especially if he follows up on a pledge to consult with “the nation’s most prominent advocate of drilling in ANWR, Alaska governor Sarah Palin.” In an interview with the magazine, Hayes writes, McCain says he hasn’t ruled out changing his long-held position against drilling in ANWR. “McCain has opposed drilling in ANWR,” Hayes writes. “In the past he’s compared it to drilling in the Grand Canyon. But as energy prices climbed over the past several months, he has been careful to avoid locking himself into an anti-drilling position.” In the interview, Hayes notes, “McCain made clear he has not ruled out a change in his position–to one that endorses drilling in ANWR.” And he said he would consult with Palin. “So I called Palin to ask what McCain can expect to hear,” Hayes says. “The answer is that Palin, who has been mentioned as a possible McCain running mate but has not been vetted, will make a straightforward case for drilling in ANWR. She says McCain’s willingness to take another look at ANWR is ‘very encouraging.’”