FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

ACKERSON CALLS BUYER PROPOSAL A GIMMICK

 

Zionsville, IN, May 14, 2008 — Nels Ackerson, candidate for Indiana’s 4^th District congressional seat, says the incumbent congressman’s energy bill is too little, too late, too narrow in scope, and too politically motivated to have any effect on gas prices.   Ackerson called the proposal an election year gimmick.

 

“Let’s be honest, this is a weak bill put forward at the last minute in an election year.  Its current cosponsors are all members of his political party, and it has no chance of being passed,” Ackerson said.  “Hoosiers are being hit hard with gas prices passing the $4 mark.  Providing relief and reducing our dependence on foreign oil are too important for political gimmicks.  They deserve serious, comprehensive energy proposals.

 

Ackerson began working on energy solutions thirty years ago, he explained, starting when he served on the U.S. Senate staff under then Senator Birch Bayh. “The bill I proposed decades ago, which was passed by Congress, was sponsored by Birch Bayh, Bob Dole, Richard Lugar and broad group of senators and congressmen from both parties.”

 

Commenting on Buyer’s bill, Ackerson said.  “Mr. Buyer has been in Congress 16 years.  Why was this bill so long in coming?  Why does he continue to support subsidies and tax cuts to oil companies at a time of record profits?” Ackerson says he does not oppose drilling where oil can be recovered in an environmentally sound manner but does not believe a focus on increasing oil production is the answer to our problems.  He says, “We need complete solutions, including wind, bio-fuels, solar, safe nuclear and clean coal technologies, as well as conservation.”  

 

Ackerson says he looks forward to the opportunity to debate Buyer on this and other issues.  According to the Indiana Secretary of State’s website, Ackerson received nearly twice as many votes as Buyer opponent.

 

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WORD Version

Ackerson Calls Buyer Proposal A Gimmick