Political stakes high as Congress convenes

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- The U.S. Congress faces high political stakes when it consider bills that could have a bearing on the U.S. presidential race, analysts say.

A quick session scheduled for Monday is expected to include votes on measures affecting such presidential campaign issues as oil drilling and economic stimulus, the Washington Post reported.

A Democratic energy bill to open the coasts of Virginia, North and South Carolina and Georgia to offshore drilling will likely be voted on, with party leaders looking to call Republicans' bluff on their demands for even more such drilling. Sources told the Post, however, that GOP leaders are likely to turn it down because it doesn't go far enough.

A $50 billion economic stimulus measure aimed at infrastructure projects will also be on the agenda. Analysts told the Post Democrats are looking to "dare" the GOP to reject the package amid rising unemployment and aid the cause of U.S. presidential nominee Barack Obama.

But, the newspaper said, GOP leaders predict they will dismiss the Democratic measures and be able push their own versions of the bills.