Enviros Try To Disrupt GOP Energy Rally

By Martin Kady II

(The Politico)  House Republicans strolled down the marble steps of the Capitol this afternoon looking for a nice photo op for their energy rally.

What they stumbled into was a crowd of about 130 protesters from a wide variety of environmental groups who threatened to shout down the pro-drilling message touted by the GOP. The protest was organized by the League of Conservation Voters, the National Resources Defense Council and other groups.

Police had to cordon off the 70 or so lawmakers, who stood on the west front steps of the Capitol under threatening skies, from the protesters, who held a series of anti-drilling placards. To no one's surprise, included in the protest group were people in eagle and polar bear suits _ undoubtedly stifling in Washington's summer heat.

GOP speakers touted more than just a pro-drilling message. "We want conservation, we want renewables," said Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas), the chairman of the conservative Republican Study Committee.

The protesters were largely respectful and did not try to drown out the GOP speakers, which included top leaders and committee chairmen. But at the end of each Republican speech, the protesters booed and hissed. A handful of game GOP staffers did their best to cheer and clap their bosses.

The rally and counter-protest quickly dispersed when a few raindrops squeezed out of the saturated skies, as the lawmakers retreated to the air conditioned Capitol corridors and the protesters scattered.