Dem running for Georgia Senate endorses Keystone XL

Michelle Nunn (D) told volunteers for her U.S. Senate campaign that she would back the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.

{mosads}Nunn, Democrats’ top recruit to succeed retiring Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), said she supported the oil-sands pipeline on the grounds of economic development and national security.

“I have a lot of friends who have different perspectives on Keystone,” Nunn said, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “We need to continue to focus on green energy and finding sustainable sources of energy, but I do believe we should move forward with Keystone.”

Keystone XL remains a contentious issue on Capitol Hill as Republicans crank up pressure on President Obama to sign it. Nunn would be among the ranks of other oil and gas-friendly Democrats, like Sens. Mary Landrieu (La.) and Mark Begich (Alaska), who support the pipeline.

Nunn, the daughter of former Sen. Sam Nunn (D-Ga.), has Democrats hopeful they could pull off an upset, especially if a flawed GOP nominee emerges from their bitter primary.

— This story was updated at 2:23 p.m.