Gas prices pump up Democrats

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http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0608140187aug14,1,736942.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed

Gas prices pump up Democrats
Candidates criticize GOP support for federal oil subsidies

RENTON, Wash. -- The evening rush hour has begun in earnest, and "Gas Pump Man," a comic book-like character with a costume made of foam, is on the scene, waving his pump and urging harried drivers to honk if they want lower gas prices.

By his side are volunteers for Darcy Burner, the Democratic challenger to Republican U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert in this suburban Seattle district, holding a homemade banner urging motorists to "Tell Congressman Reichert to take back the $14 billion in subsidies he gave to big oil."

In the battle for Congress, the high price of gasoline has become a rallying cry for Democratic candidates eager to prove Republican indifference to voters' economic concerns, as well as incompetence in addressing complicated, long-term challenges facing the nation.

"It's obviously incredibly frustrating for lots and lots of people," said Burner, 35, a former Microsoft executive and a newcomer to politics. "And it's particularly frustrating when we have an administration that absolutely refuses to do anything constructive about it."