Florida Lawmakers: Not In Our Back Yard!

My Way News - Nelson Vows to Filibuster Drilling Bill:

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson says he would start a filibuster in the Senate to block a measure on offshore drilling if it passes the House, which is expected to vote on the bill this week.

The bill would end a 25-year ban on drilling off much of the U.S. coastline. It could bring rigs as close as 50 miles from Florida's beaches.

Rising fuel prices have increased support for drilling in environmentally sensitive areas. The bill last week cleared the House Resources Committee 29-9 with bipartisan support.

Nelson and all seven of Florida's House Democrats oppose the measure. They're joined by Florida's Republican Senator, Mel Martinez, and at least four of the state's 18 House Republicans.

A spokesman says Martinez may join Nelson in trying to talk the bill to death if it comes up in the Senate.

Amazing how some issues can spark a bipartisan response without even trying, isn't it? Too bad the penguins and polar bears don't have representation in Congress.