OBAMA WANTS PIPELINE DELAYED UNTIL AFTER 2012 ELECTION TO RETAIN VOTES

Exclusive: U.S. to seek new Keystone route, delaying approval

Demonstrators carry a giant mock pipeline while calling for the cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline during a rally in front of the White House in Washington November 6, 2011.

Credit: Reuters/Joshua Roberts

WASHINGTON | Thu Nov 10, 2011 1:02pm EST

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration plans to announce on Thursday it will explore a new route for a Canada-to-Texas oil pipeline, delaying a final approval beyond the 2012 U.S. election, sources briefed on the matter said.