Democrats to let offshore drilling ban expire

Democrats have decided to allow a quarter-century ban on drilling for oil off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts to expire next week, conceding defeat in a months-long battle with the White House and Republicans set off by $4 a gallon gasoline prices this summer. House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey, D-Wis., told reporters Tuesday that a provision continuing the moratorium will be dropped this year from a stopgap spending bill to keep the government running after Congress recesses for the election.

While this isn’t a total surrender…the Donks promise continued opposition in the future…it IS a major slap upside the head for Reid, Pelosi, and the rest of their ilk. Looks to the Chief like they are scenting the cold breezes of November, and are reaching for some heat to warm up their electoral prospects.