MoveOn's National Day of Action Criticizes Republicans and Democrats for Ties to Oil and Gas Industry

Strategic Insights -

Protesters gathered in Oklahoma City and Tulsa on Wednesday, part of a national effort by MoveOn.org to criticize Republicans and Democrats for taking campaign contributions from the oil and gas industry. The event was aimed at pressing Congress to invest in alternative energy and reject proposals that benefit the oil and gas industry. "One big reason we haven't moved toward energy independence is that Republicans in Congress are in the pockets of Big Oil - taking millions in contributions, then giving billions in favors," said Oklahoma City resident Darla Sheldon, who is heading the Oklahoma City rally. "It's time for a change in Congress."

Key Takeaways:

  • MoveOn.org, a left-wing, Internet-based organization, has organized 250 rallies nationwide, including two in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, to criticize Republicans and Democrats for ties to the oil and gas industry.
  • The organization cites that since 1990, Big Oil has given more than $190 million to members of Congress, with 75 percent of that ($142,635,314) going to Republicans.
  • Oklahoma's congressional delegation receives substantial contributions from the oil and gas industry, with oil and gas being the top contributor for four members.
  • Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman Lisa Pryor stated that the rally was not affiliated with the party and that the group's message will not fall on deaf ears in Oklahoma, despite the state's economic dependence on the oil and gas industry.
  • U.S. Rep. Dan Boren, a Democrat, defended the oil and gas industry, saying it's the reason for Oklahoma's economic surpluses and that supporting domestic oil and gas producers helps keep more production at home.

Statistics:

  • Since 1990, Big Oil has given more than $190 million to members of Congress, 75 percent of which ($142,635,314) has gone to Republicans.
  • In 2008, ExxonMobil donated more than $1.7 million to federal candidates, while Chevron donated over $1.3 million (Source: OpenSecrets.org).
  • In 2008, the top five industries contributing to Congress included the oil and gas industry, with a combined total of over $55 million (Source: OpenSecrets.org).

Sources:

  • "MoveOn.org's National Day of Action Criticizes Republicans for Ties to Oil and Gas Industry" (no date).
  • Press Release from MoveOn.org (no date), cited in the article.
  • Article by Janice Francis-Smith, "Rallies Target Congress on Oil, Gas Issues," on website of KFOR-TV (no date).
  • Information on U.S. Rep. Dan Boren's campaign contributions (Source: OpenSecrets.org).
  • Information on ExxonMobil's and Chevron's campaign contributions (Source: OpenSecrets.org).