The CSPAN cameras have been turned off and the House Democrats are on their way home, but members of the GOP are staying late.

I’m getting reports from the Hill that House Republicans are gathering on the House floor, in the dark, with no microphones, to talk directly with taxpayers who are visiting the Capitol about gas prices.

Pelosi and her environmentalist pay masters have no intention of allowing more drilling. Today’s extroidinary events on the House floor cements the issue for Republicans. Look for them to exploit in a manner which could turn several seats back to republicans. John McCain has already signaled he is on board with off shore drilling with Obama being steadfastly against it.

This issue more than others may affect who McCain picks as VP. It may move Alaska Govenor Sarah Palin to the front. Palin is an extremely effective advocate for drilling and her presence could additional juice to a ticket which is already gaining some steam.

UPDATES: From Hot Air and the Politico

Congress has passed no meaningful energy legislation to move us towards lower gas prices and more American energy and now has recessed for a 5 week break. Republicans, including yours truly, wanted to speak more about that on the floor of the House this afternoon. The Pelosi majority took the unusual step of calling for immediate adjournment to prevent these speeches from going forward and turned off the cameras and microphones on the House floor.

It’s one thing to not allow a vote on more energy production. It’s another to not even allow people to speak about it. I and several dozen others are speaking on the House floor right now to a gallery full of cheering people to demand that Speaker Pelosi allow a vote on more American energy production. No TVs. No microphones.

You can turn off the lights, but you cannot silence the will of the American people.

Good for you, Congressman.