Clinton, Obama highlight differences over gas tax

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

May 3, 2008

MUNSTER, Ind. - Hillary Rodham Clinton called for a vote Friday in the Democratic-controlled Congress on a summertime suspension of the federal gasoline tax, a plan that Barack Obama dismissed as a political stunt that would cost thousands of construction jobs.

"It's a Shell game. Literally," Obama said to laughter from his campaign audience, adding it would mean little for hard-pressed consumers.

The Democratic presidential rivals highlighted their differences in ads and speeches across North Carolina and Indiana, two states with primaries Tuesday. Polls point toward a particularly close finish in Indiana, which is next door to Obama's home state of Illinois.

Despite a fierce, occasionally personal campaign, the former first lady and Obama have generally agreed on most policy issues. That made the proposed suspension in the gasoline tax an exception.

And while there is little support among the Democratic congressional leadership for the plan, it was a disagreement that both presidential contenders appeared content to perpetuate.

"All I hear about is gas prices. Gas and diesel, everywhere," Clinton said in Kinston, N.C. "Some people say we don't need to get a gas tax holiday at all, it's a gimmick. ... I want the Congress to stand up and vote. Are they for the oil companies, or are they for you?"

Later, in Hendersonville, she added, "I know where I stand and I know where my opponents stand. ... Senator Obama doesn't want us to take down the gas tax this summer and Senator McCain wants us to, but he doesn't want to pay for it." Clinton has proposed making up the lost revenue by imposing a windfall profits tax on oil companies.

Obama's rhetoric grew sharper, as well. "She even borrowed one of Bush's favorite phrases," he said dismissively of the New York senator. "She said every member of Congress should have to tell us whether they are with us or against us." He said the average consumer would save a "quarter and a nickel" a day, and $28 in three months.

McCain also favors the gas tax holiday, but many economists have ridiculed the plan, which they say will only benefit oil companies.

Meanwhile, matching Obama's announcement of an endorsement from superdelegate and former Democratic National Committee chairman Paul Kirk of Massachusetts Friday, Clinton's campaign announced their own superdelegate endorsement - Texas DNC member Jaime A. Gonzalez Jr. They are among 795 superdelegates who will have decisive votes at the party's August nominating convention.