Bachmann wants oil drilling linked to Wall Street bailout

Posted at 3:44 PM on September 23, 2008 by Tim Pugmire (5 Comments)

U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., says she's still not on board with the Bush administrtaion's $700 billion plan to stabilize the nation's financial sector.

But Bachmann is also trying to link the Wall Street bailout with her push for expanded oil drilling. Bachmann and other Republicans are urging President Bush to allow oil companies to drill in currently closed areas of Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico. She says that would help offset the financial impact of the bailout.

"They will give billions of dollars in revenue to the federal government and state governments," Bachmann said.

Bachmann's DFL challenger in the 6th district, Elwyn Tinklenberg, says the attempt to tie oil exploration to the financial stabilization plan is an incredible distraction and a disservice to those who are seeking real solutions.

Comments (5)

I was quietly wondering how long it would take for politicians to try attaching riders to this legislation. Why is it no surprise that Rep Bachmann is leading the charge?

Posted by bsimon | September 23, 2008 3:52 PM

I'm surprised she didn't suggest Roe V. Wade be overturned to, you know, offset the financial impact of the bailout.

Posted by wristo | September 23, 2008 4:14 PM

I think this idea is up to her usual standard.

Posted by Bill Prendergast | September 23, 2008 4:48 PM

What kind of deal with the devil did she make?!

First off, that would take at least 10 years even if it did pass..second Oil goes on the World Market.

How is Exxon making even MORE profits going to help?

Someone please super glue her lips together.

Posted by Kelly | September 23, 2008 5:01 PM

Is anyone going to challenge Ms. Bachman's confident assertion that the Wall Street mess is the result of TOO MUCH GOVERNMENT REGULATION? My understanding - rudimentary as it may be - is that Wall Street's problems can be traced back to DE-REGULATION and LACK OF GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT.

Michelle Bachman's proclamations should not go unchallenged lest they be mistaken as factual.

Posted by Jody | September 24, 2008 8:37 AM

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