Palin Supports Law of the Sea Treaty

Someone, somewhere once quipped that the debate they would really like to see is between Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and his running mate, Governor Sarah Palin (R-AK). They disagree on global warming, Pakistan, and Arctic drilling. And now we can add at least one more item to that list.

Palin supports the Law of the Sea Treaty. McCain supported it for ten years, and then changed position as his presidential campaign began late last year. In responding to a survey from the Iowa Christian Alliance, McCain said he opposes the treaty.

Palin, on the other hand, has sent at least one letter to the U.S. Senate urging ratification of the treaty. She said, "If the U.S. does not ratify the convention, the opportunity to pursue our own claims to offshore areas in the Arctic Ocean might well be lost. As a consequence, our rightful claims to hydrocarbons, minerals, and other natural resources could be ignored."

Palin's position is supported by President Bush, the U.S. Navy, and 155 other countries. Will she be able to persuade McCain?

(Hat tip to Scott Paul and The Washington Note for pulling together the threads of this story.)