McCain pledges to work with Pelosi if elected

[July 31, 2008]  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Republican presidential hopeful John McCain says, if elected, he'd work closely with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, despite her less-than-amicable relationship with current Republican leaders.

"I promise you that I respect her," McCain said in an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle. "I will sit down with her when I'm president, and will say 'Let's work together.'"

McCain went on to commend Pelosi's effectiveness and call her "one of the great American success stories."

The senator from Arizona also acknowledged the climate change work of former Vice President Al Gore, saying he agreed with Gore's notion that the country could achieve energy independence within 10 years.

"I agree with his goal," McCain said. But, he added, "I may disagree with all the ways of getting there."

While Gore says the nation could achieve energy independence completely through renewable resources, McCain's plan includes reliance on nuclear power and offshore drilling.

Pelosi has suggested that McCain's energy policy is a continuation of the failed efforts of the Bush administration.

A spokesman for Pelosi had no immediate comment Wednesday on McCain's remarks.

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[Associated Press]

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