Energy policy is key issue in Minn. senate race
by The Associated Press

ST. PAUL -- The candidates for U.S. Senate are arguing about how to combat rising gasoline prices.

Republican Senator Norm Coleman says high energy costs are "the biggest issue in the election."

Democrat Al Franken has also made energy policy a central theme of this campaign. Franken now says that he's opposed to a federal gas tax hike after saying last year that it was worth considering.

Coleman also opposes a federal gas hike. He says fuel cost increases can only be slowed by a mix of efforts, including more drilling off the U.S. coast and support for alternative fuel sources, including nuclear power.

Coleman says a firm commitment by Congress on those fronts would remove some of the speculation that he says is driving up fuel prices.

Franken also called for more investment in renewable fuel technology, but also wants Congress to end tax breaks for oil companies.