Shared Views but Also Contrasts in McCain, Palin Energy Policies

ST. PAUL, Minn. — John McCain’s new running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, has served in North America’s largest oil region for the past two years, creating a complicated record on energy that is sure to raise questions about McCain’s energy positions in the general election. Palin supports offshore drilling like McCain, but they diverge on drilling in the off-limits Artic Wildlife National Refuge. She’s for it and he’s against it, although he’s said he is willing to re-examine the issue. They both oppose a national windfall profits tax on oil companies, saying it would hinder domestic production. But she raised taxes on oil companies in Alaska last year, arguing that her predecessor, Frank Murkowski gave them too many breaks. When asked by FOXNews.com whether McCain’s criticism of Obama’s similar proposal to tax oil companies was a contradiction to Palin’s actions last year, McCain campaign spokesman Tucker Bounds batted the question ... (link)