The Senate gets to vote on the controversial Keystone Pipeline tomorrow as Democratic leadership now views the tally as a last-ditch effort to save the hide of Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu, who is a long-shot in the December run-off.
Keystone has devolved from an energy/economic issue to one that is purely political, a Republican test to further diminish President Obama.
The idea to develop and transport dirty oil from Canadian tar sands to Gulf Coast so the heavy oil can be shipped overseas no longer makes economic sense, which was the basis of the argument put forth by TransCanada, the company behind the scheme.
CEO Russ Girling conceded yesterday during a pitch on ABC's "ThisWeek" that the pipeline will create a whopping 50 permanent jobs, which torpedoes the Republican argument that Keystone would be a massive jobs generator. It's time for the GOP to go back to the job growth drawing board.
As for Keystone's potential to be a goldmine for US-made steel, forget about it. The pipeline has already been bought pipe in India. Gerling did say 9,000 temporary jobs would be created in building the 1,200-mile pipeline.
CNBC reported Nov. 13 that oil prices have plunged about 30 percent since plans for Keystone were announced. Heavy oil, which is a costly substance to extract, will cost from $85 to $110 to produce. Oil prices recently touched the $76.67 point. America's fracked oil bonanza will add more pricing pressure.
There is a strong chance Democrats will move to save Landrieu tomorrow, by voting for the environmental and economic boondoggle that is Keystone.
Will the newly liberated and muscular Barack Obama, (Where have you been when Democrats needed you?) veto Keystone?
That bold action would send a strong message to Republicans that the lame duck President has some kick left in him.
As for Mary, it's time to cash in on the lobbying circuit.
No comments have been submitted for this story yet.