Democrat Mark Begich is making drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge a centerpiece of his energy plan as he tries to defeat Alaska Republican Sen. Ted Stevens, who has long struggled against national Democratic opposition to opening ANWR. "What's happened the last 40 years has not worked. We have not gotten ANWR open," Begich, the mayor of Anchorage said Thursday. "We have struggled with this arm-twisting, pounding on the table technique that has not gotten us any results. I think I have a different way of working with folks, I have an ability to cross party lines and bring people to the table." Begich said it's clear the Democrats are going to be in control of the U.S. Senate.
"It would be a mistake for Alaskans not to be at the table in that majority making our point," Begich said.
The Stevens campaign, asked for a response, presented audio of comments Stevens made Wednesday when he called in to the Dan Fagan radio show on KFQD radio.
"To send someone to join the crowd down there, let's face it, the overwhelming majority of the Democratic Party is against developing Alaska period. I don't understand his argument," Stevens said.
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