Bachmann, Davis, Cole and Big Oil: At Least They Have Each Other

07/04/2008

St. Paul (July 3, 2008) — Representative Tom Cole (R-OK), chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), is in Minnesota this week making several closed-door appearances for Representative Michele Bachmann on Wednesday and with 1st-District congressional candidate Brian Davis on Thursday.

Minnesota DFL Chair Brian Melendez released this statement:

“As Minnesotans face the rising cost of travel over the long Independence Day weekend, Representative Michele Bachmann and Brian Davis are spending their time with one of Washington’s most notorious boosters of Big Oil: Representative Tom Cole of Oklahoma.

“Representative Cole, embattled chair of the embattled National Republican Congressional Committee, brings with him to Minnesota a long record of protecting Big Oil’s interests. Cole has voted to protect special tax breaks for oil companies, has voted to cut funding for renewable-energy programs and has refused to crack down on gas-price gouging. He opposed giving consumers immediate relief at the gas pump while voting to give handouts to Big Oil. As a reward, Big Oil has contributed a total $277,050 to Cole’s campaigns — including $51,100 in the 2008 cycle alone.

“Well, at least they have each other: This holiday weekend, Bachmann, Davis and Cole will tell each other fables about how stratospheric Big Oil profits are good for Americans — but Minnesotans aren’t listening because they want real change instead, not more special favors for the Republicans’ special-interest buddies.”

Tom Cole: Big Oil’s $277,000 Man

Cole’s top contributors: the oil-and-gas industry. Cole has received $277,050 in contributions from the oil and gas industry, including $51,100 in the 2008 cycle alone. [www.opensecrets.org, accessed 7/2/08]

Cole voted to protect tax breaks for oil companies. In 2008, Cole voted against a motion to end debate on the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act and allow for the House to vote on the legislation. He also voted against considering the rule to allow the House to vote on the bill. [HR 5351, Votes #78, #80, 2/27/08]

A record of refusing to crack down on gas-price gouging. In 2005, 2006 and 2007, Cole opposed bills to crack down on gas price gouging, provide for tougher penalties for those companies engaged in price gouging and to grant new authority to the Federal Trade Commission to investigate and enforce price gouging laws. [HR 1252, Vote #404, 5/23/07; HRes 897, Vote #352, 6/29/06; HR3893, Vote #518, 10/07/05]

Cole voted to cut funding for renewable-energy programs. In 2007, Cole voted in favor of an amendment to the fiscal year 2008 Energy and Water appropriations bill that would reduce funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs by $102 million. The amendment was defeated 107-320. [HR 2641, Vote #509, 6/19/07]

Cole opposed giving consumers immediate relief at the gas pump. In 2005, Cole voted against an alternative energy plan that would have brought immediate relief to consumers at the pump, increased the nation’s investment into renewable fuels and energy efficiency and cracked down on price gouging. The measure was defeated 170-259. [HR 6, Vote #118, 4/20/05]