Wall Says Special Interest Influence Is To Blame For Record Gas Prices

Wall Says Special Interest Influence Is To Blame For Record Gas Prices

Speaking at a press conference in Green Bay today, Democratic candidate for Congress Jamie Wall said special interest influence in Washington, DC, has contributed to gas prices that are approaching three dollars a gallon in Northeast Wisconsin.

"The special interests are feeding at the public trough in Washington, DC, and Madison. That's why we have a failed energy policy and record prices at the gas pump," said Wall.

The last federal energy bill contained billions of dollars in giveaways to the oil industry at a time when it was banking record profits. "Wisconsin families want their member of Congress to stand up for them, not for monied interests. That's exactly what I'll do as your next congressman."

Wall criticized Republican Assembly Speaker and congressional candidate John Gard for failing to schedule a vote on a bipartisan proposal in Madison to stem the influence of special interest money in politics. Gard's failure to lead on the issue of reform shows that he will be a friend of special interests in Washington, said Wall.

"Even as special interest influence in government is driving up gas prices, John Gard has failed to act," Wall explained. "Gard won't even allow a simple vote on ethics reform on the floor of the state Assembly. Why should the people of Northeast Wisconsin want to send him to Washington? Oil companies have enough friends there."

Wall noted that the ConocoPhillips SPIRIT PAC, the political action committee of energy giant ConocoPhillips, contributed $1000 to Gard's campaign last September.

In place of giveaways to oil and gas companies, Wall will support measures that crack down on price gouging and encourage alternative energy sources to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil.

"We need an energy policy that depends on Midwestern farmers, not Middle Eastern sheikhs," said Wall.

http://www.wallforcongress.com/gasprice