WASHINGTON, D.C. -- They've worked together since the early 1980s. They help run the same Senate committee. But New Mexico Republican Pete Domenici and Democrat Jeff Bingaman are on opposite sides of the one of the fiercest debates in the country.

Thursday, after one-on-one interviews with KFOXTV.com, the two senators appeared poised for political war over how to address rising oil prices.

Bingaman and Domenici are expected to face off next week when the Senate debates a measure to reign in Wall Street oil speculators. Bingaman told KFOXTV.com, "When you've got the price of oil shifting five dollars everyday, there's clearly some speculation going on. If we can get some of that speculation out of the market, we might see a lower price."

Domenici said he's unopposed to new oil speculation legislation, but he said he'll try to halt the vote unless Democrats agree to include provisions to open more offshore land to oil drilling. Domenici said, "If you don't start drilling now, you never will." The 36-year Senate veteran accused Bingaman of dragging his heels on new, offshore drilling.

As chairman and vice-chairman of the Senate's Energy Committee, Bingaman and Domenici will likely have to find common ground before any legislation is passed to address soaring gas prices.
LINK: The Hill: The Latest on Senate Oil Speculation Bill

Domenici and Bingaman both said they've been receiving strong, angry feedback from constituents over fuel costs. Bingaman said, "Oh, I'm certainly hearing about it. I'm sure every senator is hearing about it. It's a great burden on families and a drag on our economy nationally." But the pressure has yet to yield a compromise.

KFOXTV.com offers contact information for both senators. If you want to voice your opinions on the upcoming debate over gas prices:
E-mail Addresses and Phone Numbers of New Mexico's Senators