A friendly crowd greeted House speaker Nancy Pelosi at Mike Thompson’s fundraiser Saturday in St. Helena, where she praised the local congressman and spoke on a host of Democratic priorities, including a new energy bill and the need to elect Barack Obama president of the United States.

A part-time St. Helena resident, Pelosi addressed the Thompson supporters at Trinchero Family Estates on Zinfandel Lane a few hours after she announced in a radio address that the Democrats would consider opening portions of the Outer Continental Shelf for drilling.

But in St. Helena, the third most powerful politician in America seemed committed to protect California’s coastline while calling the Republicans’ assertions that drilling more oil offshore will reduce gas prices at the pump a “hoax.”

“There will be no increased drilling offshore in California,” Pelosi said as cheers erupted from the 700 Thompson supporters gathered for the Congressman’s annual pasta dinner, a $25-a-plate fundraiser that has become an annual tradition for the past 18 years. Saturday’s event was billed as a zero-waste affair.

“What we are saying is if you want to drill some place that’s not in California, let’s talk about that,” Pelosi said.

Taxpayers should not subsidize oil drilling, she said.

“Let’s talk about who owns that oil,” said Pelosi, adding, “It belongs to the American people.”

America’s dependence on foreign oil is a “national security issue,” Pelosi said.

“It is an economic issue, it is an environmental issue and it is a moral issue if you believe as we do this is God’s beautiful creation and we have a moral responsibility to protect it,” she said, referring to the oceans’ waters.

Throughout her 20-minute speech, punctuated by cheers from her 20-month grandson, Paul Vos, Pelosi praised Thompson’s work in Congress.

“There is no doubt Mike Thompson is guarding the gate on that subject,” Pelosi said, referring to efforts to continue the ban on new offshore drilling in California.

Pelosi, who began her speech by noting that Thompson supported her bid to become Whip of the House — the road to her becoming the first female Speaker of the House, as well as the first Italian-American and the first Californian to hold that positon — praised Thompson’s record on education, healthcare and labor.

“I’m here to tell you how extraordinarily talented he is,” said Pelosi, who also underscored Thompson’s seniority in Congress where he is member of the Ways and Means Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Thompson thanked Pelosi.

“Thanks for bringing part of your family,” he added. “They’re always welcome. We hope you come back again.”

After posing for pictures, Pelosi and her family left Trinchero Family Estates as Thompson began to serve pasta from longtime chef ArtIbleto with the help of a dozen political figures in Napa County, including former Napa County Sheriff Gary Simpson, Napa Mayor Jill Techel and American Canyon Mayor Leon Garcia.

Thompson has endorsed Simpson, who is running for Napa County Supervisor in District 5 against former American Canyon Fire Chief Keith Caldwell, while Techel, Bennett and Garcia are running for re-election.  

Pelosi’s speech drew praise from attendees, including Ernie Preston, a conservative Republican who supports Thompson but not Obama.

“I’m a Republican. But I have to say I’m impressed,” he said, adding he is glad to hear that an energy policy is in the works.

Winemaker Tom Rinaldi said Pelosi was a legend.

“She sure likes Mike,” he said, referring to Pelosi’s speech. “Everybody does,” he added.

Thompson is running for re-election in November against Republican Zane Starkewolf.

Preston and other supporters predict Thompson will easily win another two-year term in November. However, Thompson can’t afford to relax, Preston said.

“I don’t think any politician can afford to sit back,” he said.