McCain adviser Douglas Holtz-Eakin held a press call with reporters tonight after the candidate's energy speech in Houston. One particularly interesting question came up: A reporter asked why, if McCain thinks people who live in coastal states should decide whether to allow drilling off their shores, that view doesn't extend to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Reporter: Why not have that viewpoint for people in Alaska who want to drill in ANWR?

Holtz-Eakin: The senator's belief is that there are simply some places that are simply so special because of their ecological characteristics that we should at all times place them at the back of the line and preserve them for future generations. He's felt that way about ANWR for many years and he continues to feel that way.

Reporter: And he doesn't feel that way about the Florida and California coasts?

Holtz-Eakin: He certainly is allowing the citizens to express that view, but he thinks it's appropriate to give them that say.