MoveOn Members Rally Against GOP Ties to Big Oil Nationwide

Strategic Insights -

Thousands of MoveOn members took to the streets outside more than 300 gas stations across the country, denouncing Republican ties to Big Oil and calling for a shift towards clean energy policies. The rallies, held on a National Day of Action, coincided with the launch of a new TV ad campaign by MoveOn.org Political Action, which accused the Republican-controlled Congress of accepting millions in campaign contributions from Big Oil companies. Members urged Congress to adopt a clean energy policy and stop its addiction to oil money, citing the billions in tax breaks and subsidies received by Big Oil.

Key Takeaways:

  • MoveOn members organized rallies at over 300 gas stations nationwide, protesting Republican ties to Big Oil and calling for an "Oil-Free Congress" and clean energy policy.
  • The rallies were part of a National Day of Action, coinciding with a new TV ad campaign by MoveOn.org Political Action, which ties the Republican-controlled Congress to a culture of corruption.
  • Since 1990, Big Oil has given over $190 million to members of Congress, with 75% of those contributions going to Republicans.
  • The ads, known as "Caught Red Handed," target Republican Reps. Chris Chocola, Thelma Drake, Nancy Johnson, and Deborah Pryce, highlighting their refusal to adopt a national clean energy policy.
  • MoveOn.org Political Action has completed three rounds of a $1.3 million campaign against these Republican Representatives.
  • Members called for an end to America's addiction to oil, citing soaring gas prices and the threat of global warming as major concerns.

Statistics:

  • $190 million: The amount Big Oil has given to members of Congress since 1990.
  • 75%: The percentage of Big Oil contributions that went to Republicans since 1990.
  • 300: The number of gas stations across the country where MoveOn members held rallies.
  • $1.3 million: The amount invested by MoveOn.org Political Action in a campaign against Republican Reps. Chris Chocola, Thelma Drake, Nancy Johnson, and Deborah Pryce.
  • 4: The number of Republican Representatives targeted by MoveOn's "Caught Red Handed" ad campaign.

Sources:

  • U.S. Newswire via COMTEX (Jun 27, 2006)