Hey Republicans - Wanna Win the Election?

The conventional wisdom this election year is that the Democrats will win the White House and also add to their majorities in both houses of Congress. Here's one way the Republicans can mitigate that prospect. People are really pissed off at having to pay $4/gallon for gasoline. If the Republicans had any guts, here's what they would do - President Bush could call a special session of Congress immediately after Congress recesses in August. He has the authority granted to him by the Constitution. He could be very public and call them back to work to do one thing - approve off-shore oil drilling. He is not on the ballot this year. He's got nothing to lose - he's bulletproof.

The Republican leader of the House claims he has the votes to get such legislation passed. Nancy Pelosi won't schedule a vote. Instead of whining about that fact as he has been, John Boehner should get a discharge petition together [it takes only 218 votes to make it happen] and force Madame Speaker to have a vote. If he has the votes he says he has, that shouldn't be a problem. If they have the vote and lose, then the Republicans can put the onus on the Democrats to defend their inaction. The Republicans should hammer the Democrats daily that they don't feel your pain at the pump. The Democrats haven't done squat since they regained control of Congress two years ago. Put the Democrats on the defensive. Make THEM explain why they won't take any action to ease your pain.

These actions would require the Republicans to grow a spine to actually make this happen. I for one will not hold my breath, but I can always dream.