Insiders Divided on Energy Legislation
As Senate Dems push to bring an energy bill to the floor before they leave Washington for the Aug. recess, the 2 parties remain strongly divided on the electoral merits the legislation, according to this week's National Journal Political Insiders Poll.
60% of the 100 Dem Insiders who participated in the poll this week said it was in the party's interest to pass energy legislation this year. But a hefty 37% disagreed, sometimes stridently. Said one Dem Insider, "D.C. owns my health care and my bank account. Leave my light bulbs alone."
Added another Dem opponent: "No, no, a thousand times no. If you think the average voter hates 'Obamacare,' wait until he tries to understand the implications of cap-and-trade."
Even some Dem Insiders who like the idea of putting up some more points on the scoreboard were skeptical that an energy bill will become law anytime soon. "More accomplishments are good, but zero chance it happens," said one.
Given the strong GOP opposition -- 72% of the 103 GOP Insiders who responded said that it was not in their party's interest for Congress to enact energy legislation -- Dem unity will be essential to move the bill.
And the GOP Insiders were not bashful about their opposition. "Last thing we need is a perception that Democrats finally are willing to work together and compromise with the GOP in passage of sensible legislation." Added another: "We have cap-and-trade defining Democrats -- keep it that way."
For all the results to this poll and additional comments, click here.
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