Jul 16, 2008 10:46 pm US/Central
Reality Check: Battling Gas Ads In MN Senate Race
(WCCO)
If you believe everything you see on television the next U.S. Senator from Minnesota will cut your gas prices.
Politicians are no different from the rest of us: they know a bad thing when they see it. But can they really do anything about high gas prices?
"Right now, hundreds of former senators and congressmen are lobbying for big oil and special interests," Democratic senate candidate Al Franken said in a TV ad. "No wonder gas is at $4 a gallon."
It's QUESTIONABLE.
There's not a cause-and-effect connection between Congress members turned lobbyists, and high gas prices.
Analysts say it's more likely the result of supply and demand, insufficient refining capacity and oil speculators. However, that hasn't stopped candidates from feeling our pain.
"Folks are worried about jobs, cost of food, cost of energy, cost of kids education," said Republican candidate Sen. Norm Coleman in a TV ad.
The announcer went on to say, "That's why Norm Coleman opposes new gas taxes, fought for energy reforms to reduce food and fuel costs and increased college aid."
Here's what you NEED TO KNOW about Al Franken and Norm Coleman.
Franken not only wants to end lobbying; he wants to end oil company tax breaks and a windfall profits tax for alternative energy.
Coleman is in favor of offshore oil drilling, expanding nuclear power and stronger renewable fuels standards.
IN FACT...
Developing new energy sources will take years or even decades to have any impact at the pump –- 20 years to completely open up new American oil fields and up to 25 years for ambitious alternative energy plans.
The REALITY is...
The fastest way to ease the pain at the pump may also be the simplest: use less and drive 55.
But Americans aren't buying it. A strong majority favor oil drilling over conservation.
That's Reality Check.
To check the resources of this Reality Check click on the links below.
What Can Washington Do About Rising Oil Prices? Not Much
Al Franken For Senate Web Site
Norm Coleman For Senate Web Site
Pew Research Center: Gas Prices Pump Up Support for Drilling
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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