Parties exchange jabs over oil company contributions

The Center for Responsive Politics found this week that while many perceive John McCain as the candidate backed by the oil companies, Barack Obama gets his share as well.

The center found that of the two major party candidates, McCain benefits the most from the industry itself, however Obama gets more from individual donors who are employees of the largest companies in the industry.

This distinction was made in Maine today as the two state parties exchanged jabs over energy prices, each saying the other’s candidate should do something to bring immediate relief to citizens.

Democrats held an event at the Pop Shoppe Diner in Lewiston, where they said McCain’s policies are disastrous for small business owners. They staged a mock check presentation – a fake $2 million check made out to McCain from “Big Oil.”

"Maine families and businesses are struggling under the high price of gas and heating oil," said Senate President Beth Edmonds, according to a release. "We need a president who will stand up for Mainers by delivering relief today while building a secure energy future. John McCain is offering more of the same, with his plan to give $4 billion more in tax breaks for oil and gas companies. Barack Obama understands the enormity of this crisis and has put forward common-sense solutions that will ease the pain at the pump and move America to energy independence."

Later in the day, the Republicans shot back.

“If anyone knows about not delivering immediate price relief at the pumps, it’s Barack Obama,” said Maine GOP Chairman Mark Ellis in a release.

Ellis noted the measures Obama has opposed: a summer gas tax holiday, off-shore drilling and nuclear plants.

“The bottom line is that while Mainers struggle to put gas in their vehicles and heat their homes this winter, Barack Obama is refusing to support reasonable plans that would lower fuel costs,” Ellis said. “Meanwhile, Obama tries to run from his vote in support of the 2005 energy bill – which John McCain opposed – and the fact that Obama has received more contributions from oil company executives than John McCain. Regardless, it’s clear Obama doesn’t have the necessary experience to lead America to energy independence and John McCain does.”