The Issue on Everyone’s Mind
"Letter to Editor"06/27/2008
June 27, 2008
Dear DFLers,
Gas prices. They’re on the mind of every American as costs continue to climb. Rising energy prices affect every person, especially those most in need.
There is no perfect plan that will solve this crisis, but one thing is clear: my opponent’s strategy, the George W. Bush energy plan, got us into this mess in the first place.
This election year, as we work to continue the change we started in 2006, the Republicans are talking about gas prices, using urban legends and distorted facts to scare voters into supporting Republican candidates.
In the last week, my opponent has done exactly that, by advocating for new oil drilling as the silver bullet to reduce energy costs. And when the facts don’t support his claims, he cites radical organizations like the Institute for Energy Research. Even Exxon has revoked its support for this group because of its outside the mainstream views!
Who are the Republicans trying to help by distorting the facts to advocate for the Bush energy plan?
The answer is simple: the oil companies and themselves.
Each and every day the National Republicans, my opponent included, are fighting for the same oil companies that are already receiving billions in taxpayer subsidies while they post record profits.
So while I continue to fight for real energy solutions that benefit middle-class families, the Republicans will continue to attack me, using gas prices and distorted facts to gain votes, all the while lining the pockets of their oil company supporters.
Friends, this threat is real and I need your help to set the record straight!
My plan is entirely different: enact real energy solutions to actually help middle-class families. In the short term, we must regulate oil speculators who are driving up prices and force oil companies to use the oil drilling leases they already have (they’re sitting on millions of acres right now that they refuse to use). In the long term, we must invest in alternative sources of fuel, to drastically reduce our dependence on oil and build a better future for our children and grandchildren.
However, to beat back their attacks and pursue real change, I will need your help.
Without your contribution of $25, $50, $100 or more TODAY, they will continue their attacks across Southern Minnesota unchecked.
Together, we will fight back, and put middle-class families, not the oil companies, first.
Sincerely,
Tim Walz
P.S. In the past few days, you’ve heard from some of the middle-class folks who are supporting my campaign. I’m honored to have their help and I hope you’ll give us your support today too.
P.P.S. June 30 is an incredibly important deadline for us. It’s the end of the second fundraising quarter of the year and we need your help to finish strong. Please give today!