N.H. paper criticizes senator; He responds - weakly

The Nashua Telegraph newspaper criticized Sen. Judd Gregg (R) for his support of the March 16 amendment of the federal budget bill to permit ANWR drilling. The paper's strongly worded March 19 editorial said: "he has more concern for oil companies than he does for the environment," adding that his reputation as an environmentalist has been "greatly diminished."

Gregg was in an important position for the crucial March 16 vote as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. The Telegraph noted that when asked why he supported the ANWR amendment, Gregg said: “the president asked for it and we’re trying to do what the president asked for.”

Gregg's response, published in the Telegraph today, is longer than the original editorial. Yet he couldn't find room to address ANWR or energy issues directly at all. Instead, it's a recitation of his prior record on environmental issues.

Somehow, this may be less than convincing to many of his New Hampshire constituents.