The Louisville Gas War started today.

America is going to win the Iraq War, and if Republicans across the country do what Anne Northup did today, Republicans will win the Gas War, their elections, and ultimately deliver cheaper gasoline to the American people after 30 years of Democrat obstructionism over oil.

Anne Northup served in the House of Representatives for 10 years before losing a narrow election in 2006, but she struck her opponent hard today in a lengthy Op-Ed in which she stated the need to allow American workers to drill for American oil now.

Then a press conference held at a local gas station drew tons of media attention and a weak response from her opponent Rep. John Yarmuth (D - Bitter Kentucky), who believes that forcing oil companies to drill on lands for which they currently hold federal leases is a reasonable solution. Nevermind that there isn’t much oil there. He wants to force them to drill there and fine them if they don’t. It sounds to me like he wants to bleed them dry.

Here’s a roundup of coverage from today’s press conference:
Northup unveils energy policy (WAVE3)
Northup and Yarmuth get into war of words over pain at the pump (WHAS11)
Northup calls high gas prices “national emergency” (WLKY + video)
Northup on energy (C-J environmentalist whacko blog)

Anne Northup is probably the strongest Republican challenger in the country. She is well-funded (started out with $460,000 in 8 weeks), well-known, and well-liked. She has Rep. John Boehner’s ROMP support, pledged help from anti-abortion advocates (Yarmuth is Director of Planned Parenthood of Kentucky, a subsidiary of the largest charity abortion provider in the country Planned Parenthood), pledged help from GOP’s Young Guns, and pledged help from former Maryland Lt. Gov Michael Steele (fundraiser tomorrow).

If you want a Republican challenger to turn the House Democratic tide back and beat a Democrat incumbent Congressman this year, Anne Northup may have the best chance. To make it happen, you need to give money to Northup for Congress and then come to Louisville and do volunteer work for the Northup campaign this fall.

• Breaking: Northup Gains In Survey USA Poll
• The Strongest Republican Challenger In The Country
• I Told You Last Week: Northup Fundraising Official Numbers
• Yarmuth’s Position On Drilling
• Gasoline For 45 Cents Per Gallon?