[State GOP senators skeptical on offshore oil drilling - St. Petersburg Times
" "Once you ruin those pristine beaches, they're ruined forever," said Peaden, a retired doctor who worked for Texaco before he went to medical school. He describes out-of-state oilmen as "shysters" promoting a "shell game" at the expense of Florida's tourism economy.
"It's all about campaign money," Peaden said. "And it's one big crapshoot."
Another coastal senator is Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton. He says he is open to learning more about drilling but would vote no, "knowing what I know now."
"I don't think the Senate has the votes right now," said Bennett. "
" "Once you ruin those pristine beaches, they're ruined forever," said Peaden, a retired doctor who worked for Texaco before he went to medical school. He describes out-of-state oilmen as "shysters" promoting a "shell game" at the expense of Florida's tourism economy.
"It's all about campaign money," Peaden said. "And it's one big crapshoot."
Another coastal senator is Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton. He says he is open to learning more about drilling but would vote no, "knowing what I know now."
"I don't think the Senate has the votes right now," said Bennett. "
