Gas Prices Too High — Check These Gasbags First

Gas prices going up again - faster than ever it seems. Why?

From Open Secrets:

"Just as gas keeps flowing into American vehicles to keep them running, the oil and gas industry's money keeps pouring into politicians' committees. During the 2010 election cycle (TEA takeover), the oil and gas industry contributed more than $30.5 million to federal level political interests, according to Center for Responsive Politics research.

"This amount includes more than $17.1 million from industry political action committees, nearly $11.4 million from individuals associated with the industry and more than $2 million in outside money the industry spent to independently promote or slam political candidates. About 77 percent of that money benefited Republicans."

See the list at the Open Secrets link.

Earlier this year (March 29, 2012 to be exact): In a 51-47 vote, 43 Senate Republicans and four Democrats filibustered to protect $24 billion in tax breaks for Big Oil.

Although a majority voted for the bill, it fell short of the 60 needed. The only two Republicans to break rank were Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) and retiring Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME). A Think Progress Green analysis shows how oil and gas companies have funneled cash to the same senators who protected its handouts:

• The 47 senators voting against the bill have received $23,582,500 in career contributions from oil and gas.

• The 51 senators voting to repeal oil tax breaks have received $5,873,600.

• The senators who voted for Big Oil’s handouts received on average over four times as much career oil cash as those who voted to end them.

• Overall, Senate Republicans have taken $23.2 million in oil and gas contributions.

• Senate Democrats received $6.66 million.

• Since 2011, Senate Republicans have voted seven times for pro-big oil interests and against clean energy three times.

Guess what? Mitt Romney wants to improve and build on that platform.