McCain’s Colorado River Gaffe Might Cost Him Key Western States
John McCain has again said something to cause his fellow western-state Republicans to wince at his political inexpedience and apparent naivete for the issue at hand. And even though the Senator has now recanted and begun damage control, Democrats are hoping that this one will cost him. Some even argue that the gaff was so severe, he may have just lost Colorado.
McCain told The Pueblo Chieftan last week that he wants to renegotiate the 1922 Colorado River compact to re-appropriate water from the upper basin states, like Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming, where the river originates and give it to lower basin states like California, and his home state of Arizona. McCain said:
“I don’t think there’s any doubt the major, major issue is water and can be as important as oil. So the compact that is in effect, obviously, needs to be renegotiated over time amongst the interested parties. I think that there’s a movement amongst the governors to try, if not, quote, renegotiate, certainly adjust to the new realities of high growth, of greater demands on a scarcer resource.”
“Over my cold, dead, political carcass,” said Bob Schaffer, a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate. “The compact is the only protection Colorado has from several more politically powerful downstream states. Opening it for renegotiation would be the equivalent of a lamb discussing with a pack of wolves what should be on the dinner menu.”
John Redifer, political science professor at Mesa State College, said McCain’s position makes sense in light of Arizona’s needs, but not as a national policy. “I wonder if he is running for president of the United States or 
for something in Arizona when he makes those statements,” Redifer was quoted as saying in the Grand Junction Sentinel. “I’m really kind of surprised that someone running for president … that needs to carry the state of Colorado would make a statement like that.”
Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo. said McCain’s comment was “dangerously naive.” Salazar added, “It reflects, in my view, a fundamental misunderstanding” of the importance water politics has in the arid West.”
Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal, also a Democrat, said McCain’s water comment could provide an opening for Democrats. “I was absolutely astonished that anybody running for president would suggest it, “Freudenthal said.
No matter which way you slice it, this has the potential to be a big political gaff. The sensitivity of the water issue is such that it can often overwhelm partisan allegiances. Across the American West there’s an old saying that goes, “Whiskey’s for drinkin’ and water’s for fightin’” Sen. McCain should have known better. Water in the Colorado Basin is not something that one tosses around with such disregard for its importance to upper basin users. A point that will certainly be hammered home next week in Denver at the Democratic National Convention.
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Photo: Gonzo fan2007 via flickr under a Creative Commons License
Until there are NO GOLF COURSES in Arizona, I refuse to have any sympathy for their water woes.
I am no fan of Mccain. I voted for Ron Paul in the primaries. That having been said; I see nothing wrong at all with what Mccain said, he is completely right. Rather than feuding over who gets what water, it makes far more sense for the interested parties to peacefully renegotiate their arrangement, considering the interests of the parties have changed over the years. There is absolutely nothing wrong with renegotiation. No one is forcing the issue, and it should be done because it benefits the needs of the masses of people. It would be very silly for someone to take this one quote so out of context that they begin to believe this quote is anything the senator should be ashamed of. It was a perfectly lucid and coherent response to the question.
^And what happens when the bigger states get more say in the matter than Colorado? They get it.
The Water will then be diverted from AZ to MX
Mark my words…
Petch,
While I appreciate the satisfaction of holding a knee-jerk opinion - and have many favorites of my own - the best ones are at least informed by facts.
In western states recreational facilities like soccer fields and golf courses are typically watered with reclaimed treated and quite safe EFFLUENT.
In other words, this is not potable water, but water that’s being RECYCLED, already having been used for drinking and bathing and washing and the like?
I’m not a golfer, but I’d sure like it if people who discuss life critical issues such as water use in desert states at LEAST understood the basics of how our water delivery system works.
I find it amazing that Arizona can mis-manage what little water it has, and expect Colorado to bail them out.
This may cost McCain my vote. (I live in the SW and understand water conservation)
I surely won’t be voting for Obama, but McCain might need my vote.
^Apparently Brian knows more than a state senator, governor and a polisci professor on this issue. Why do Ron Paulers need to announce who they voted for?
I’m sure the fact that Cindy McCain is in the beer business has nothing to do with his opinion. Do the research.
If this man says something, as with most politicians, it’s because someone paid him enough money to spend time in a room with him telling him what to say so they could make more money. It’s the only reason our government works still. For the rich, by the rich.
yep - this proves McCain isn’t fit. the right man for the office, Obama, would have said whatever would get him more votes - no matter what his real opinion was or what would be best for the most people.
Why do people choose to live in places that aren’t made to be sustainable anyway?