LaTourette votes with Big Oil…again
Despite energy crisis, congressman votes against comprehensive energy bill, against more drilling, against lowering gas prices, against investing in alternative energy and against ending taxpayer subsidies for oil companies
WICKLIFFE, Ohio (September 17, 2008) - Democratic congressional candidate Bill O’Neill was disappointed, but not surprised, last night after Rep. Steve LaTourette cast a vote against a comprehensive compromise energy bill that would have ended tax breaks for oil companies, invested that money in alternative energy, lowered gas prices and opened up more drilling opportunities.
“At this point I just have no idea what Steve LaTourette’s position is on energy,” O’Neill said. “He’s been saying he’s for ‘all of the above.’ And now that he’s voted against this comprehensive energy plan, I guess he meant ‘none of the above.’ This reflects a pattern for this Congressman and much of Washington. Lots of talk, but in the end, they vote for the special interests who write their campaign checks. Make no mistake, Steve LaTourette has once again shown whose side he is on, and it’s not ours.”
LaTourette voted against an effort earlier this year that would have taken tax breaks away from oil companies and invested those funds in alternative energy (H.R. 5351).
“Let’s take this one at a time,” O’Neill said. “More drilling? Congressman LaTourette says he’s for that. Alternative energy? He says he’s for that. Lowering gas prices? He says he’s for that. I guess it was the prospect of ending tax breaks for Big Oil to make sure they pay their fair share while they’re reaping record profits. I guess he just couldn’t do that to an industry that has been so good to him.”
LaTourette has taken nearly $287,970 from the oil and energy industries in his career, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
“When I’m a congressman, I will do everything in my power to fight for lower gas prices and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. I will work for investments in alternative energy and fight to end taxpayer subsidies to Big Oil.”
O’Neill said. “Unlike my opponent, I have never taken a dime from Big Oil. And they haven't offered me one, because I am pretty sure Big Oil does not want me anywhere near the United States Congress.
“To get us out of this energy crisis and into an energy policy for the 21st century, it’s going to take real leadership from our representative in Congress. We can’t bring change to Washington unless we change the people we send there.”
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