SUNUNU WATCH

GREETINGS FROM PLANET SUNUNU

A new radio ad running in New Hampshire asks voters to thank John Sununu for affordable energy prices, begging the question:  What planet are these guys from?   

In the ad, paid for by the GOP front group National Taxpayers Union, we're told that Senator Sununu "voted to keep taxes down, to protect American jobs, and to make energy more affordable. Now that's good news."  

Oh, where to begin?

We knew John Sununu was out of touch with New Hampshire but if he expects Granite Staters to thank him for all the good economic news lately, he really must be living on another planet.

IN SUNUNU'S WORLD - Energy prices are affordable and he deserves praise!

IN THE REAL WORLD - New Hampshire families have seen gas prices rise 85% since 2001.  In January 2001, the average retail price per gallon of gasoline in New Hampshire was $1.16.  As of March 11, 2008, the average gas price per gallon is $3.25.  As prices keep rising, Sununu keeps voting to protect oil and gas subsides, and big oil keeps raking in the dough.  In January, Exxon Mobil posted the largest profit in the history of the world.  Thanks John!   (Energy Information Association, Dept. of Energy; AP, "Exxon Mobil Posts Record Profit," 1/30/06)

IN SUNUNU'S WORLD - Having New Hampshire taxpayers fund subsidies to big oil keeps "taxes down"!

IN THE REAL WORLD - New Hampshire families are drowning in higher energy, health care, and education costs.  In the past year, the average New Hampshire family has seen home heating costs rise by 26% from $1,369 per household to $1,723 per household.  Health care premiums have risen 38.7% in New Hampshire since 2000.  College tuition has increased 18.7% since 1999.  And, John Sununu wants credit for keeping taxes down?  (Joint Economic Committee, US Congress)

IN SUNUNU'S WORLD - Sununu's repeated votes to protect oil and gas company profits are really votes to protect jobs.