rollin' on the river

rick santorum (r-pa), not long ago considered a possible presidential hopeful, now anxious about his senate reelection chances, has followed his lightweight book and losing dover monkey trial pick by threatening to use his clout to block legislation that's good for new jersey unless the garden state caves to pa gov ed rendell's desire to dredge and deepen the delaware river so bigger ships can reach the port of philadelphia, which really could use an economic boost. rendell has also made unnecessary threats.

jersey wants to hold off a commitment pending an environmental impact assessment—and with good reason: deepening the channel might slow the river's flow rate, letting seawater go further upstream. added salinity could harm sensitive ecosystems, not only in nj and pa, but in the state of delaware, which has 4 wildlife refuges along the river and bay.

what's the rush, rickie?