Bush uses Gustav to hit Dems on energy

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL — President Bush on Tuesday said that the threat of hurricanes to the Gulf Coast's energy production offers more proof that Democrats should "step up" their efforts to increase domestic energy exploration.

Bush made the remarks before a briefing he was set to receive on Hurricane Gustav, a storm that only hit New Orleans with a glancing blow but did prompt Bush and other Republicans to skip the Republican convention here on Monday.

{mosads}"One thing is for certain:  When Congress comes back, they've got to understand that we need more domestic energy, not less,” said Bush, who then made a plug for Congress to allow offshore drilling.

“I'd much rather American consumers be buying gasoline produced from American oil than from foreign oil.  I'd rather our dollar stay at home than go overseas," he said.

In Minnesota, the convention seemed to slowly be returning to normal after the first day's program was dramatically shortened.

The White House said Monday that Bush might still attend the convention, but as of Tuesday morning there was still no decision made, according to White House spokeswoman Dana Perino.

Perino said in an email that the White House was still waiting to hear from convention officials about how to proceed.