THE SUNUNU EFFECT: GAS PRICES SOAR, HE SENDS OUR TAX DOLLARS TO BIG OIL

For Immediate Release
May 27, 2008

Since Sununu joined the Senate, gas prices have increased more than 250%

(Manchester, NH) - As Memorial Day kicks off the official start of summer driving season, New Hampshire residents face an astonishing record $3.86 average per gallon of gas -- a more than 250% increase since John Sununu took office in the Senate six years ago. In those six years, Sununu has fought hard to protect tax giveaways to oil and gas companies and to prevent measures to bring down the price of gas.

"Gas prices are soaring, threatening New Hampshire's tourism season and squeezing middle class families," said Alex Reese, press secretary for the NHDP's Coordinated Campaign. "John Sununu is just part of the problem, voting to protect tax giveaways to Big Oil and against commonsense measures to bring down the cost of gas. But Sununu's Big Oil buddies are doing just fine, doubling their profits and having plenty left over to give Sununu over $220,000 in campaign contributions."

Sununu in the Senate: Six Years of Sticking Up for Oil and Gas Companies

Since John Sununu joined the Senate, average gas prices in New England have increased more than 250%, from $1.50 in 2003 to $3.86 today:

[Source: US Dept. of Energy]

Oil and gas companies have reaped the benefits. In the same time, Exxon Mobil has increased its annual profits by 200%:

[Source: Exxon Mobil SEC Filings]

John Sununu has been part of the problem:

• Sununu has accepted $221,030 in contributions from oil and gas companies. [Opensecrets.org - FEC Filings]
• Last December, Sununu cast the deciding vote to protect $13 billion in tax breaks for oil and gas companies instead of investing that money in renewable energy. [Senate Vote #425, 12/13/07]
• Sununu voted against making gas price gouging a federal crime. [Senate Vote #334, 11/17/05]
• And just two weeks ago, Sununu voted against a proposal to close the Enron loophole, which allows Wall Street traders to artificially increase the price of oil through speculation and market manipulation. [Senate Vote #130, 5/15/08]

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