Dole Helps Exxon Mobil Haul in Record Profits While Families Pay Record Gas Prices: Dole Took $20k from Exxon Mobil, Including $4k in June

July 31, 2008

GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Associated Press reported today that Exxon Mobil hauled in a record $11.68 billion dollars in the second quarter, while nationally, a gallon of gas is selling for an average of $3.95. In June alone, Elizabeth Dole was handed $14,000 in campaign contributions from Big Oil and Gas, including $4,000 from record-setting Exxon Mobil.

“At a time when oil companies are realizing grotesque record profits, including the billions Exxon Mobil took in during the second quarter, working families can say thanks to Elizabeth Dole for helping ensure her friends get richer while working families struggle to make ends meet,” said Hagan Campaign Communications Director Colleen Flanagan “Elizabeth Dole has the audacity to ask North Carolina citizens for a second term when she’s done nothing to help lower their gas prices, and they’ve actually increased more than 250% since she got into office. While I’m sure she’d play the part of a wealthy oil executive quite well, her performance as a U.S. Senator has been lackluster to say the least.”

Dole voted against substantive investments in alternative energy twice during Exxon’s record quarter, and has repeatedly done their bidding, allowing Big Oil and Gas companies to keep the $17 billion in tax subsidies Washington funnels their way. Last week Dole sided with Wall Street over working families, voting against a bill that would have curbed excessive speculation in the energy markets, thereby lowering gas prices and helping bring relief to families in North Carolina.

Dole has been a long-time patron of the Big Oil and Gas companies, rewarding her for padding their profits. While she chaired the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), she accepted more than $1.2 million in contributions from Big Oil and Gas on behalf of the committee. Over the course of her career, she’s received $266,456 from Big Oil and Gas.

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Dole Took $14,000 In Oil And Gas PAC Money At The End Of June Alone. In the final days of June, Elizabeth Dole took at least $14,000 from political action committees affiliated with oil and gas companies. The contributions included $4,000 from Exxon Mobil and $4,000 from the Independent Petroleum Association of America, which seeks to maintain “a pro-oil and gas Congress.” [Dole FEC Report, 7/15/08; IPAA Website, Viewed 7/21/08]

Dole Has Taken $526,508 From The Energy & Natural Resources Industry. Dole has taken $526,508 from the energy and natural resource industry, which includes the $215,339 she has taken from their PACs. [Center for Responsive Politics, 7/25/08]

Dole Has Received $266,456 From The Oil & Gas Industry. [Center for Responsive Politics, 7/28/08]

Dole Allowed The NRSC To Accept Over $1.2 Million In Donations From The Oil And Gas Industry. During her tenure as the chair of the NRSC, Dole accepted $1,237,342 in donations from the Oil and Gas industry. [Center for Responsive Politics, 2/29/08]

Dole Has Taken $20,000 From Exxon Mobil’s PAC. Since 2002, Dole has taken $20,000 from the political action committee of Exxon Mobil, including $4,000 on June 30, 2008. [Center for Responsive Politics, 7/29/08]

Dole Has Taken $3,000 From Chevron’s PAC. Since 2002, Dole has taken $3,000 from the political action committee of Chevron. [Center for Responsive Politics, 7/29/08]

Dole Has Taken $5,000 From Phillips Petroleum. Since 2002, Dole has taken $5,000 from the political action committee of Phillips Petroleum, an oil company which is best known for Phillips 66 gas stations. [Center for Responsive Politics, 7/29/08]

Dole Has Taken $4,000 From Marathon Oil PAC. Since 2002, Dole has taken $4,000 from the political action committee of Marathon Oil. [Center for Responsive Politics, 7/29/08]

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