6/29/2006 6:00:00 PM Protestors bubbling over gas prices, urging action
JEFF POPE/Miner
Several area residents upset over high gas prices and Congress’ acceptance of big oil companies’ money urged drivers who feel the same to contact their elected officials. The group gathered at the corner of Airway Avenue and Stockton Hill Road, where they could connect with the highest number of drivers possible. The rally included Sarah Snelling (left), Earl Kemp, Jan Emming, Kate Snelling, Terry Kemp and Charles Snelling.
By Jeff Pope Miner Staff Writer
KINGMAN – A few local residents joined an estimated 300 like-minded rallyers across the nation on Wednesday in protesting oil companies’ financial contributions to U.S. Congress members.
“The central message here is that big oil money just like any large source of corporate money has a very strong corrupting influence upon public policy,” Jan Emming said. “Clearly big oil seeks to influence public policies in the form of subsidies, tax breaks and legislation such as drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.”
A resident of Yucca, Emming organized the Kingman event in conjunction with MoveOn.org, a left-leaning political organization. He said he wanted to make the nation’s dependency on fossil fuels and the cost of gasoline at the pump important issues in this year’s election.
“A lot of people feel this is an important turning point for a variety of purposes,” he said. “We’re trying to link the public’s awareness of the true costs of big oil to the current gas prices and other events in the world today.”
Since 1990, oil companies have contributed more than $191 million to Congressional campaigns, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics. The center found 75 percent of the campaign contributions went to Republicans.
Emming said the Oil-Free Congress Rally is nonpartisan and intended to protest any Congress member who accepts money from oil companies.
The group of five protestors assembled at the corner of Airway Avenue and Stockton Hill Road where their message would reach the most drivers. Carrying a sign that read “High Gas Prices? Call Rep. Franks,” Golden Valley resident Terry Kemp said more people should take a stand on any issue.
“There are too many problems coming down the pike and most people are disaffected (with voting) because they don’t see the return,” he said. “I think people do understand. I think when gas prices hit $3.50-$4 a gallon, a lot of people will wish they’d supported taking money out of Congress’ pocket.”
Golden Valley resident Charles Snelling was driving home with groceries when he saw the rally. He asked his two daughters, Sarah and Kate, if they wanted to join or go home. He said the vote was unanimous.
“If they’ll stand out here in the heat, then I will too, because if there is any issue important to my pocketbook, it’s the cost of gas,” he said. “Somebody is getting rich and I think I know who it is.”
According to financial statements posted by the Center for Responsive Politics, Sen. Jon Kyl has received $221,722 from the energy/natural resources sector in the 2006 campaign cycle. Of that total, $77,700 came from the oil and gas industry. Eight other Congress members received more contributions from the sector than did Kyl.
Rep. Trent Franks, whose district includes Mohave County, has received $15,500 from the same sector through March 31. The oil and gas industry contributed $6,500 of the total. Sen. John McCain is not in an election year but has received $52,500 from the sector, with $1,600 from the oil and gas industry.
The Center for Responsive Politics publishes its findings on campaign finances at OpenSecrets.org.
