August 7, 2008

Obama Campaign Credits Begich with Alaska Gas Line in Energy Plan

Staff says conversation with Begich led to inclusion on priority list

The presidential campaign of Senator Barack Obama today said a conversation between Obama and U.S. Senate candidate Mark Begich six weeks ago is a key reason Obama will make getting the Alaska Natural Gas Line built a priority in his administration.

Talking with reporters during a teleconference today, Pete Rouse, senior advisor of Obama for America said a conversation between Obama and Begich in June during the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Miami is one reason Obama's knowledge of the gas line project was "enhanced considerably." Rouse, who also served as Chief of Staff for former Lt. Gov. Terry Miller, credited conversations with former Governors Wally Hickel and Tony Knowles as well.

"It's great news when you hear the Democratic presidential nominee say getting the Alaska Natural Gas Line built will be a top priority of his energy plan and his administration," Begich said. "I left our meeting in June feeling like the Senator had a greater understanding of Alaska's role in the nation's energy picture. The comments today confirm that notion."

Talking about Senator Obama, Rouse said after meeting with Begich, the Alaska gas line was "clearly on his mind" and that Obama felt more needed to be done on the issue.

Rouse also told reporters Obama will work to encourage a federal partnership to bring Alaska's resources to all Americans and ultimately reduce energy costs for Alaskans. He said the federal government should make the gas line a higher priority and do what it can to get all parties together to get the project moving.

From a Mark Begich press release