As the November General Election rapidly approaches, politicians on both sides of the aisle scramble to select key issues to connect with voters: National Security, the war in Iraq, and illegal immigration generally top the list. But it was just earlier this summer that an issue reached the front lines, only to be buried beneath death tolls and border walls.

Energy. This is an issue that Democrats have yet to fully understand the power of. Wielded correctly it could be the unifying issue that carries them to victory in 2006.

A New York Times article today outlined the potential resurgence for nuclear power plants to once again dot the American landscape. A cleaner, considerably cheaper alternative to coal or oil, nuclear power is just an example of alternative energies.

Wind power has been embraced by the Democratic Gubernatorial candidates in Massachusetts, much to the dismay of wealthy Cape Coders who fear the large turbines will disrupt their view of the ocean.

Lower gasoline prices make for a good gimmick as well. Recently Col. Mike Weaver, running for Congres in the Kentucky 2nd district, held an event at a gas station offering gas for $1.20, the price it cost when his Republican opponent took office in 1994. A powerful reminder of how little Republicans have done to free us from our dependency on oil.

If the Democrats are to take the commanding control our country so desparately needs, they will need unity on the energy crisis. Have we already forgotten what we’ve learned from Al Gore?