Gas prices pump up Democrats

[sabra]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0608140187aug14,1,736942.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed

Gas prices pump up Democrats
Candidates criticize GOP support for federal oil subsidies

RENTON, Wash. -- The evening rush hour has begun in earnest, and "Gas Pump Man," a comic book-like character with a costume made of foam, is on the scene, waving his pump and urging harried drivers to honk if they want lower gas prices.

By his side are volunteers for Darcy Burner, the Democratic challenger to Republican U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert in this suburban Seattle district, holding a homemade banner urging motorists to "Tell Congressman Reichert to take back the $14 billion in subsidies he gave to big oil."

In the battle for Congress, the high price of gasoline has become a rallying cry for Democratic candidates eager to prove Republican indifference to voters' economic concerns, as well as incompetence in addressing complicated, long-term challenges facing the nation.

"It's obviously incredibly frustrating for lots and lots of people," said Burner, 35, a former Microsoft executive and a newcomer to politics. "And it's particularly frustrating when we have an administration that absolutely refuses to do anything constructive about it."

[stray cat]

1. Dems need to make it an issue by offering an oil-independence strategy

[LiberalEsto]

2. We also need to point out that B*sh

said prior to his selection that he would be able to use his influence with the oil companies to prevent big gas price increases.

[mike923]

3. Do oil companies select the price for oil?

I'd think it would have more to do with OPEC than anything else.

[Rambis]

4. * owns this issue

He said in 1999 debate with Al Gore and across the country that 1.88 a gallon for gas is unacceptable. He would release the US strategic reserves and "jaw bone" OPEC into producing more oil. One of the oil companies made over 1,000 $ a second last quarter in profits.

[mike923]

5. The profit margin for Google execs is higher than Oil execs...

and any and all politicians will say things to get themselves elected. My point, although not at all clear, is i hope Democrats in the coming elections do not state: "Vote for me, we'll lower the price of gas!".

[sandnsea]

6. A stronger dollar would help

Windfall profit tax would help. Stabilizing the ME would help. There's a bunch of things a Democratic majority could push for that would lead to lower gas prices.

[Rambis]

9. I agree

Dems should not do that but * blamed Gore and Clinton for something he should take an equal share of blame when gas is 3$ and he is an X oil man. I consider oil profits and salaries a little more stable because they have a product rather than paper stock portfolio that has no intrinsic value. I guess I am a gold standard person? Shit has to be worth something tangibly for me but I know ZERO about economics so....

[wellst0nev0ter]

7. Those Who Do Not Exploit This Issue Should Stay Away From Politics

We are paying the http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/custom/newsroom/chi-060814gas-prices,1,4948859.story?coll=chi-news-hed">highest ever price per gallon of gasoline--PERIOD This is not nominal, this is inflation adjusted.

And we need to hit Republicans hard when they say bullshit like this:

"They're not happy about it, but the anger level has declined," said Moore, who is working for Mike McGavick, the GOP candidate challenging Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.). "People have gotten used to paying three bucks a gallon."

Shyeah, I'd like to see that dickhead say something like that at an actual gas station during rush hour. Putz.

[onehandle]

8. The GOP leadership just doesn't get it.

Not all Americans are Oil Millionaires, happy about the price of gasoline.

Could it be that Oil Millionaires are their true constituency?

Say it ain't so.