In the wake of the massive BP oil spill, Republicans are quietly attempting to distance themselves from the “Republican battle cry” of the 2008 campaign, “Drill, baby, drill.” Sens. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) and Pat Roberts (R-KS) disowned the slogan on behalf of their colleagues Tuesday, saying, “That was not a Senate Republican phrase.”
ThinkProgress’ Lee Fang spoke to a number of House Republicans yesterday to see if they were willing to standby the controversial slogan. Despite the horrific spill, some were still comfortable with the term, while others went to lengths to avoid it. Reps. Rob Bishop (R-UT) and Randy Neugebauer (R-TX) expressed confidence in continuing the use of former GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin’s slogan. However, Reps. John Shimkus (R-IL), Mary Fallin (R-OK), and Joe Wilson (R-SC) demurred, saying they would avoid “Drill, baby, drill.” Several GOP members of Congress, like Rep. John Boozman (R-AR), refused to take a position. Watch a compilation produced by Victor Zapanta:
Of course, no matter which slogan they use, it doesn’t change the fact they are continuing to support expanded offshore drilling, despite the obvious dangers underscored by the recent disaster. Alabama Gov. Bob Riley (R), Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) and a number of other formerly pro-drilling advocates have reconsidered their support following the disaster.
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