Kirk pushes for expansion of nuclear energy, offshore drilling

ST. PAUL -- U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk pushed energy legislation during his brief stay at his party's national convention as part of a policy platform aimed at helping suburban Republicans like him fight off Democratic challengers.

"If there is any other issue that has dominated political discussion of the last summer it is gas prices," Kirk said during a conference hall panel a few blocks from the Republican convention at the Xcel Energy Center.

The plan includes an expansion of nuclear energy and offshore drilling coupled with alternative-energy tax credits and conservation efforts. It is one element put forward by the Congressional Tuesday Group, which aims to promote the "Republican mainstream agenda."

"We have been expanding in a number of areas," Kirk said of the organization, which features many suburban GOP lawmakers threatened by Democratic encroachment.

This year, Kirk and other members of the group, including U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam of Wheaton and U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert of Hinsdale, have been pushing a "suburban agenda" that centers on family issues like Internet child predators, health insurance, food safety, education funding and transportation.

Kirk, a Highland Park Republican, faces a tough challenge from Democrat Dan Seals, who won 47 percent of the vote in 2006.

Roskam edged out Democrat Tammy Duckworth from Hoffman Estates in 2006 to win his spot. He faces another challenge from an Iraq war veteran this year.

Biggert, meanwhile, may have a race on her hands with Lockport's Scott Harper, who has proven adept at raising crucial campaign cash.

While the focus of Kirk's Monday meeting was bipartisanship, that didn't mean it was Democratic-friendly.

Guest speaker Christine Todd Whitman, former New Jersey governor and EPA director, said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, "should be ashamed of herself" for adjourning Congress this summer without expanding offshore drilling.

Kirk was set to speak at the convention Monday night, but the lineup was scrapped due to Hurricane Gustav. He planned to return to his northwest suburban district before Wednesday.