The Tukestir on Energy

Bob Tuke attended 2nd Annual Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance Associate Meeting yesterday and saw that "technology exists today and more technology could exist tomorrow that will help lower energy bills and gas prices for working families, but it will take committed leadership to increase energy efficiency and produce clean energy alternatives."

Mr. Tuke also took the opportunity to get a dig in at his opponent (should he win the primary) and tie him to the unpopular President:

President Bush and Lamar Alexander support drilling for more oil in our coastal waters as a solution to our nation's addiction to dirty fossil fuels. President Bush and Lamar Alexander support forcing Americans to pay twice for their gas and diesel by using taxpayer money to fund subsidies for Big Oil. I support diverting Big Oil handouts to fund the rapid development of clean energy alternatives that will not only help drive down energy costs, but also create green collar jobs for workers right here in Tennessee.

While he doesn't say it, Tuke is drawing a contrast between himself and Mike Padgett, who supports more offshore drilling as a means of reducing our dependence on foreign oil. So if we ever have a debate between the two (perhaps three if Ken Eaton is invited) candidates, this will likely be a point of contention.