Wicker Calls Yarmuth's Gas Rebate Act 'Snake Oil Ploy'

In a message to supporters, Republican congressional candidate Brooks Wicker dismissed Democratic Congressman John Yarmuth's bill to end federal subsidies for oil companies and return the savings to motorists, claiming it is a "snake oil ploy" for his re-election bid.The three-term congressman unveiled the Gas Rebate Act of 2012 on Monday as a way to address the effect of rising gas prices on struggling families.The legislation would take the $40 billion in savings from closing the loopholes to the oil and gas industry and funnel it to drivers with a direct one-time payment. The result would be approximately $160 per registered vehicle and over $300 for an average Louisville family.Wicker says instead of direct rebates to motorists, Yarmuth should tell the Obama administration to support the Keystone Pipeline project to lower gas prices instead of pushing "vote buying" measures.From the Wicker campaign: As a matter of fact, if the (Obama) administration and its supporters would approve the pipeline and open up more leases to production, almost assuredly the price of oil would drop overnight. Despite what the media would have you believe, Mr. Yarmuth and his buddies in this administration can impact oil prices. They just choose not to. And if we are going to halt subsidies to oil companies, then we should not just spend the money somewhere else. It definitely should not go to specific auto owners. In the old days, this was called vote buying. Of course, Yarmuth would never stoop to use his own money to buy votes, though he has no problem using your money to buy them. I guess shifting taxpayer payouts to constituents is one way of finding votes. Telling them the truth is another.The Yarmuth campaign could not be reached for an immediate comment.UPDATE:"Congressman Yarmuth is focused on his congressional responsibilities," says campaign treasurer Sarah Martin. "There will be plenty of time to campaign this fall."