Press Releases

GAW DECLARES VICTORY, BACKS PLAN TO LOWER GAS PRICES

July 14, 2008

BAKER AND JACOBS OPPOSED TO OFFSHORE DOMESTIC DRILLING THAT COULD REDUCE GAS PRICES, CUT DEPENDENCE ON FOREIGN OIL

(Holts Summit, Missouri)- At the Democratic Congressional debate today, Steve Gaw said today he would support increasing offshore drilling for gas and oil that would put downward pressure on gas prices and reduce America's dependence on foreign oil.

Gaw emphasized that he sees increased domestic drilling as a short-term solution and said he would insist that revenue from increased domestic drilling be used to develop alternative energy sources and protect the environment.

"Missouri families, farmers and small business owners are being crushed by the high cost of gasoline and diesel," Gaw said after the debate. "The knee-jerk responses of the past are cold comfort to Americans who need hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel."

"I am convinced that the technology exists to allow individual states to decide to increase domestic drilling, including in offshore oil and gas reserves, without damaging our environment," Gaw said. "I also believe that major oil companies should be forced to immediately begin exploration and drilling on major oil leases they already own. They should use them or lose them."

"Domestic exploration and drilling is not a singular solution but it is part of a larger equation," Gaw said. "Every barrel of oil we generate in America is one less barrel we have to buy from the Middle East. A renewed emphasis on domestic drilling will also create high-paying jobs and bolster our economy."

Gaw also said he is "tired of being held hostage by the oil sheiks." He noted that King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia said this month that consumer countries "have to adapt to the prices and the mechanisms of the market."

"It is a sad day in America when we are being lectured by an oil sheik about the market for oil, especially when he is a key player in an oil cartel that controls the amount of oil that is produced and placed on the world market," Gaw said. "I say the time has come to take control of our own destiny by being good stewards of the natural resources within our control."

Jeremiah Levine, Gaw's campaign manager said, "Judy Baker and Ken Jacobs are wrong to rule out increased offshore drilling while Missouri families are struggling. This is just one more reason why Steve Gaw is clearly the best candidate to help lead Missouri and America in the next Congress. The Republican attack machine will go after Baker and Jacobs in the fall on the offshore drilling issue."

In an article posted on the Columbia Daily Tribune Blog on Thursday, June 26, all four Democratic candidates for Congress in the 9th District were asked to answer this question: Would you support lifting the ban on offshore drilling?

Following are excerpts of answers of each candidate posted.

State Rep. Judy Baker, D-Columbia NO

Former House Speaker Steve Gaw, D-Moberly YES

Marion County Presiding Commissioner Lyndon Bode YES

Former Sen. Ken Jacob, D-Columbia NO

- Compiled by Jason Rosenbaum