Jul 3, 2008 6:59 pm US/Central
U.S. Senate Candidates Hit An Issue: Gas Prices
(WCCO)
Both major candidates for the U.S. Senate race in Minnesota agree on one thing: gas prices are a major issue. However, their views are different on this issue.
On Thursday, Sen. Norm Coleman accused opponent Al Franken of flip-flopping on the issue of gas taxes.
"In the past, Al Franken has said that he supported the state gas and federal gas tax, keep it on the table. Yesterday he said he is opposed to the gas taxes but if gas prices drop he's going to put it on the table," said Coleman.
And its true that in the aftermath of the Interstate 35W bridge collapse, democratic candidate Franken said he would consider a federal gas tax increase for infrastructure. Now Franken says gas prices are just too high.
"In lieu of the fact that we're paying $4 a gallon for gas this is certainly not the time for a gas tax," he said.
Republican incumbent Coleman's gas relief policy focuses on increasing off shore drilling. He said that would result in an immediate impact on oil futures markets which would ease prices at the pump
"It will translate into a decline in the value of gas, I have no doubt about that, none whatsoever," said Coleman.
However, Franken argues the Coleman policy won't result in oil production for years and won't help consumers.
"I think Norm's wrong there," said Franken.
Franken believes there should be a windfall profits tax on big oil and that the proceeds should be used to invest in renewable energy sources. Coleman disagrees.
"I am not in favor of a windfall profits tax. I don't think it serves a great purpose," said Coleman.
Professor David Schulz of Hamline University said both candidates are posturing.
"Can either of these candidates do anything in the next few weeks? No, absolutely nothing. They're not going to have any impact on gas prices. A lot of this is about symbolic politics. What would I do if I were king, or something like that," he said.
However, Schulz said both the candidates do clearly have different views on this issue.
And while much of the campaign so far has focused on matters, like Franken's past writings, tax problems and just this week Coleman's living arrangements in Washington D.C., Schulz said this debate on energy policy could mark the start of the real campaign -- one where issues and substance make up the headlines.
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