Maria Cantwell: I'll Use ''Nuclear Option'' To Protect Puget Sound Tanker Limits

"The issue may have ramifications for next year's Senate race. Sen. Maria Cantwell, up for re-election, vociferously opposes Stevens' bill. Some Republicans worry that his efforts are handing Cantwell a highly visible platform."-from the Seattle Times story.

"Walden persuaded Republican leaders to add the tanker exemption to the energy bill last month, but it was withdrawn in the face of fierce opposition. The furor had hardly receded when Stevens introduced his bill last week, surprising some lawmakers. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., immediately promised a filibuster to make sure it would not pass."-from the P-I.