Democratic Senate hopeful knocks Obama on pipeline

Republican Senate candidates have been blasting President Obama's decision to reject the proposed Keystone XL oil sands pipeline — no surprise — but they were joined on Wednesday by a Democrat.

Former North Dakota Attorney General Heidi Heitkamp, the Democratic recruit in the race to replace retiring Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), criticized Obama's decision to block the pipeline, which would connect to oil fields in North Dakota through feeder pipes.

"The President’s decision to reject the Keystone XL pipeline was the wrong one, plain and simple," Heitkamp said in a statement. "Building the Keystone Pipeline will create North Dakota jobs as well as drive down costs of fuel for small businesses and North Dakota families."

Heitkamp's rejection of the president's decision reflected a realization that Democrats in conservative states may have to run against Obama if they hope to establish the independence they'll need to win over voters in November.

It also may mean embracing some of the ideas touted by Republicans — especially in a state like North Dakota, where Obama's poll numbers are underwater.

"As North Dakota’s United States senator, I will fight alongside [Republican Sen. John] Hoeven to reverse this wrong-headed decision and put building the Keystone pipeline on the fast track – even if it means upsetting members of my own party," Heitkamp wrote.