Seeking to draw a sharp distinction between the two major presidential candidates, John McCain’s campaign on Tuesday said rival Barack Obama remains opposed to more offshore drilling.

As the cost of gasoline is quickly becoming one of the premier campaign issues, McCain’s (R) camp hopes the Arizona senator’s recent conversion to backing additional domestic oil production in the form of state-backed offshore drilling will help him with voters who are feeling squeezed at the pump.

“Sen. Obama's stance on offshore oil drilling has been mischaracterized,” said McCain Communications Director Jill Hazelbaker. “He has not changed his position. He has continually campaigned against additional drilling, calling the policy a ‘gimmick,’ saying it was a 'scheme' and ridiculing those who support it.”

Hazelbaker added that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), a steadfast opponent of new offshore drilling, the Sierra Club and MoveOn.org “can take comfort from the fact that Barack Obama still opposes additional domestic oil drilling.”

“Meanwhile, the American people can be sure that John McCain will do what is necessary to reduce this country’s dependence on Middle East oil and bring down prices at the pump,” Hazelbaker stated.

Obama, who discussed his energy plan in a townhall meeting in Ohio Tuesday, slammed McCain’s policy.

“Instead of offering a real plan to lower gas prices, the only energy proposal he’s really promoting is more offshore drilling. This plan won’t lower prices today.  It won’t lower prices during the next administration,” Obama said. “The truth is, we wouldn’t see a drop of oil from this drilling for at least seven years. While increased domestic oil exploration certainly has its place as we make our economy more fuel-efficient and transition to other, renewable, American-made sources of energy, it is not the solution.”