U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole and Democratic rival Kay Hagan both back the "Gang of 10."
The two rivals in the North Carolina Senate race both say they support a compromise energy proposal put forward on Friday by a bipartisan group of 10 senators.
The proposal would allow for drilling off the coast of North Carolina and other states, encourage conservation and promote tax credits for alternative car fuels.
In a press release Monday, Hagan said she supports the plan.
"While the bill is not perfect, I have learned during my time in the Senate that compromise and consensus are necessary if we are to get anything done," she said in a statement.
Today, Dole's camp fired back, charging that there is no bill yet.
"She's telling us to sign onto a bill that doesn't exist," said spokesman Hogan Gidley, adding that Dole supports the idea.
Hagan's campaign noted that Sen. John Thune, among others, described the proposal as a "bill" on his Web site.
"Whether you call it a bill or a proposal or idea, it's out there," said Hagan spokeswoman Colleen Flanagan.
Previously, Hagan had opposed offshore drilling in North Carolina, while Dole changed positions to support it.
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Re: Dole, Hagan back 'Gang of 10' plan
I can't wait to see Bev Perdue try to wiggle out of her clear cut position on off-shore drilling ("never occur on my watch") given that those in her own party are now supporting the "Gang of 10" plan. Heck, by election time, she will probably claim that she came up with the idea for off-shore drilling. But don't let her!
Mayor McCrory and other Republicans are the ones in North Carolina that have demonstrated the leadership and vision around off-shore drilling coupled with conservation, etc.