DEBATE: What will they do about gas prices?
It’s ironic that Sarah Steelman’s big gas-guzzling bus/RV was parked outside the KMOX studios, and yet the treasurer made mentioning gas prices a focus of her debate strategy.
Steelman mentioned high gas prices during the debate at least four times; and Kenny Hulshof, too, said this election would be settled over “pocketbook issues.”
So how do the two candidates differ on what to do over gas prices?
Steelman would get rid of the ethanol mandate. Hulshof embraces the mandate. The mandate, part of a law pushed by Gov. Matt Blunt and passed into law in 2007, requires gasoline in Missouri to contain 10 percent ethanol if the price is equal to or less than gasoline.
Steelman blames the mandate (which she used to support) for high food prices and says the market should decide. Hulshof said getting rid of the mandate would make the country more reliant on foreign oil and thus would increase gas prices.
The real challenge for both candidates is how they address pocketbook issues during a tough time in the Missouri economy.
Both embrace the economic policies of Blunt and claim that they are responsible for Missouri’s business environment. Yet they both also recognize the reality of the current difficult economic situation. Missouri unemployment is up; jobs are being lost; gas and food prices are high; people are losing their homes.
It’s a tough line for the Republicans to walk, and during the debate they tried to walk it by suggesting that more of Blunt’s policies will grow the economy. Might be a tough sell with voters.
One other note on gas prices: Steelman is continuing her call for an oil refinery to be based in Missouri. Whether the governor can have much effect on that happening is questionable; but it’s a position unique to her.
I think Steelman has effective rhetoric for a general election, but she’s going to lose to Hulshof in the primary because, for all their rhetoric, most rank-and-file Republicans actually like Washington insiders telling them what to think. That’s why the right wing blogosphere has been such a complete failure.
Adam, I’m not sure your definition of “failure” but let’s look at the conservative Fox News network. I believe they win every cable news timeslot next to the liberal station, MSNBC, as well as CNN. Obamessiah has been telling you Obama worshippers what to think since he bagan his run and you’ve bought it hook, line, and sinker.
The definition of “failure” won’t help you much when you don’t understand the definition of “blogosphere.” Fox News is not a blog, and it is successful with conservatives precisely because it has a centralized message that comes from party elites.
So, how did Holshof get to town?
Adam, I dont know what your definition of failure is, but hardly seems that the right side of the blogosphere is a failure, granted, it doesnt get as many hits as the nutroots moonbat side, but it is hardly a failure. It was the right wingers who exposed Rather’s lie about President Bush’s service while the moonbats tried to defend obviously fake documents. Now if you want to talk about absolute failures, I think Err America would fit that bill.
I am so glad someone mentioned the RV….we all know it probably gets 8 miles per gallon. She has the nerve to bring upgas prices! IF (and that is a BIG IF) if she wins theprimary how much money will she spend on gas puttering around the state til November. If she was really concerned about gas prices,she would drive an economical car. I know MISSOURI people are not stupid to recognize this fact. Kenny you havemy vote! Great car !!
Steelman talking ethics and morals cracks me up. I hope people really listen to her and come to the conclusion she is not the best candidate for governor. If Hulshof does not win the primary, then I will vote for Nixon. I am conservative, but I can not bring myself to vote for her.
Well, I finally found something to agree on with Ms Conservative We So Right. Ethanol for fuel is bad for the economy. Solar and wind energy much less so. Enough black fuel superiority. It has none. Only wealthier lobbyists.
I ask again.
How did Hulshof get to town?
Airplane?
Multiple cars?
Since it isn’t obvious, and he didn’t just cross the street….
How did He get here…
…balanced against the plush endurance of a bus trip.
The superstars fly….right?
I forgot to include
“we all know”
I should have