Politicians pitching plans for gas price relief

by Nora Gathings (hsgathings@wsbt.com)

Tools

Gas pump

(WSBT file photo)

By Jim Pinkerton

Story Created: Apr 29, 2008 at 8:00 PM EST

Story Updated: Aug 5, 2008 at 2:38 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — Gas prices took another jump Tuesday. Most places in the South Bend area are now selling gas for $3.75 a gallon. Many people say it's getting hard to afford.

The candidates for president and Congress all say they can lower prices.

"I'm on empty. It takes about $120 to fill my truck up," said driver Jonelle Graham.

At $3.75 a gallon, it's becoming unaffordable for her.

"If you have a regular life, you are barely making it," said Graham.

So, free gas sent people racing to the pump.

"I'm spending 120 bucks on gasoline a week," said one driver.

"You can't turn it down," said another.

Second District Congressional Republican candidate Luke Puckett pumped five gallons of free gas for 50 drivers while he pitched his plan.

"We have the ability to drill for oil, to get natural gas. We have it," said Puckett who would also suggest drilling off the coast of Santa Barbara, Calif. to lessen the dependence on foreign oil.

But Representative Joe Donnelly (D-Indiana) says immediate relief can be provided if President Bush stops buying oil for the national reserve. He also wants 20 million barrels of oil are taken from the national reserve.

"It will reduce the cost of gas by 25 cents a gallon," said Donnelly.

President George Bush blames Congress.

"Congress has repeatedly blocked efforts to expand capacity and build more refineries," said Bush, who also wants to explore the possibility of drilling in ANWR.

But many people, Republicans and Democrats, believe one person is responsible for their pain at the pump.

"The Bush administration," said one driver.

"The President of the United States, President George Bush," said another.

Drivers say the high gas prices will be on their minds when they vote in a week. That's why all the presidential candidates have plans.

"We can have a gas tax holiday, take the federal gas tax off during the summer," said Democratic presidential candidate Senator Hillary Clinton.

"I want to invest that money in clean affordable renewable energy sources, like wind power and solar power and bio-fuels, so that we're not talking about high fuel prices next summer or the next summer after that or the summer after that," said Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama.

Drivers are hoping whoever is elected will do something to make things better.

"We need someone in office who can get them down," said a driver.

Clinton's plan to suspend gas taxes this summer is the same plan originally proposed by Republican presidential candidate John McCain.

President Bush says he is willing to look into the tax break.

More Good Stuff

WSBT Weather

icon
Current Temp 45.1
°
More Weather

On Demand

More On Demand

Stock Quotes

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule

7.00
Wheel of Fortune
7.30
Jeopardy!
8.00
Ghost Whisperer
9.00
Medium
10.00
Numb3rs
11.00
WSBT News
11.35
Late Show with David Letterman

Question of The Day

Will the new health recommendations for women change your health screening habits?

E-mail your comments. We'll pick some to read during WSBT News at 5.

  • YES
  • NO
Today's Mortgage Rates