To hell with the planet, let’s guzzle gas

It’s not surprising that Todd Tiahrt has pushed for drilling in wild life areas. He assumes that the rest of America is as callouse to the desturction of our wildlife preserves, so we can continue to drive the big SUV’s and other gass gusling vehicles as long as possible. After all, he already has one of the worst records in congress forprotecting the environments and he has supported a war designed to win us access to the world’s largest oil reserves. He knows that preserving the middle class way of life is his key to re-election, despite the fact that the democrats have yet to make a serious challenge to his office. Here are some excerpts from:

The Wicthita Eagle

Jul. 22, 2008
Tiahrt urges U.S. oil drilling
BY BRENT D. WISTROM
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Standing at the busy pumps of a downtown QuikTrip, Rep. Todd Tiahrt said gas prices could drop dramatically if America increased its domestic oil drilling and expanded oil refineries.
If Congress lifts a moratorium on drilling this September, oil speculators would hedge their bets on the future of crude and make moves to cut the price at the pump, he said Monday.
"We can't just hope and wait on the wind today and drive smaller cars," he said, also noting that alternative energy and conservation are key to America's future.
"Our economy needs something more."
Tiahrt, R-Wichita, who is up for re-election this November, advocated drilling for oil off the nation's coasts, Alaska and elsewhere -- a move his opponent, State Sen. Donald Betts, D-Wichita, opposes.
Drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge has gotten more support as fuel prices rise, affecting other consumer prices. But it remains controversial because of environmental concerns, and it is opposed by both major presidential candidates……
Betts said drilling isn't the answer, and he questioned Tiahrt's motives for advocating more drilling.
"I think a lot of this is tailoring to special interests," Betts said. "Every time (people) put the pump in their tank, I want them to know where the large oil company contributions are going to."
Tiahrt has been besting Betts in fundraising -- $878,320 to $55,678 through July 16, according to the Center for Responsive Politics' Web site, opensecrets.org.
The site shows the oil and gas industry as Tiahrt's second largest financial supporter, with $80,400. The air transportation industry has given him $92,100.