NBC - "7th District Candidates Decry Rising Gas Prices"

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NBC - "7th District Candidates Decry Rising Gas Prices"

The race for the 7th U.S. Congressional seat is taking shape. A third Democratic candidate will go on television soon to earn your vote while the incumbent decides to counter another challenger on gas prices.

It is not unusual to see someone gassing up their car, but it is unusual to see someone gassing up someone else's car. That is what Congressman Andre Carson did Monday. The congressman, who is currently engaged in a re-election campaign, sent a letter to President Bush detailing his stance on escalating gas prices.

Carson is asking the president to stop buying oil to fill the strategic petroleum reserve which he says is already filled to 96 percent capacity.

"If the federal government left this oil on the market it would lower prices at the pump and while this can lower prices in the short term our country also needs long term solutions to help our energy crisis," Carson said.

People at the gas station seemed to agree that something needs to be done.

"Gas prices just keep going up and up and up. It's getting to be a lot," said Peter Bergman.

"All I can say is I am very upset about the gas prices. We just can't afford them right now," said Courtney Cunningham.

Another candidate in the 7th district is already making the point on gas prices.

Dr. Woody Myers has a commercial running stating his position: "In Congress I'll get rid of the George Bush tax cuts for the big oil and gas companies and use the money to invest in clear energy and fuel efficient cars."

So while the politicians are talking about gas prices some of the voters are seeing it a little differently.

Meantime, another doctor in the House race is going about his campaign a little differently.

"Who is the doctor who delivered on expanded health care for uninsured Hoosiers? Orentlooper? Orent-something."

Dr. David Orentlicher is scheduled to go on television this week with a new commercial which is already up on YouTube. The light-hearted ad pokes fun at the candidate's name, showing people struggling to get it right. "Openlichter or Opelauger, or something. Orentlicher."

It will be interesting to see if that approach will distinguish him in the crowded field which also includes former state representative Carolene Mays.

Republican Jon Elrod, who lost in the special election, faces two other candidates in the GOP primary on May 6th.

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