Dent, Bennett tussle over offshore drilling robo-calls

In yet another example of the offshore drilling debate finding its way onto the campaign trail, U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Allentown) began robo-calls last week attacking his Democratic challenger for opposing new drilling, The Morning Call reports.

"We should produce more oil in America, but Congressional candidate Siobhan 'Sam' Bennett won’t allow offshore exploration or drilling in Alaska," a female caller says, according to The Call. "Even though the news reports that gas could cost us $7 a gallon by the end of year, Bennett still says “no.” When it comes to what we pay to drive and what we’re going to pay to heat our homes – Bennett just doesn’t get it."

Bennett's campaign responded by accusing Dent of a "tired, sleazy political tactic."

“I think Dent needs to apologize to everyone who has had these sleazy calls delivered to their answering machines, or even worse, their children," Bennett said in a statement.