Who's in the pocket of "Big Oil"?

After Barack Obama and the DNC’s attacked John McCain a couple of weeks ago, Opensecrets.org reports the “Center for Responsible Politics was surprised to notice that it's actually Obama who has received more from the pockets of employees at several of Big Oil's biggest and most recognizable companies. Tallying contributions by employees in the industry and their families, we found that Exxon, Chevron and BP have all contributed more money to Obama than to McCain.”

Employees Of Exxon, Chevron, And BP And Their Family Members Have Donated More To Barack Obama Than To John McCain. "Tallying contributions by employees in the industry and their families, we found that Exxon, Chevron and BP have all contributed more money to Obama than to McCain. Through June, Exxon employees have given Obama $42,100 to McCain's $35,166. Chevron favors Obama $35,157 to $28,500, and Obama edges out McCain with BP $16,046 vs. $11,500." (Massie Ritsch, "Oil Industry Leans Toward McCain, But Big Producers Favor Obama," The Center For Responsive Politics' "Capital Eye" Blog, www.opensecrets.org , Posted 8/7/08)

Obama Attacked John McCain, Accusing Him Of Raising More Than A Million Dollars From Oil Executives. Obama: “And while Senator McCain’s plan won’t save you at the pump anytime soon, it sure has done a lot to raise campaign dollars.  Senator McCain raised more than one million dollars from the oil industry just last month, most of which came after he announced his plan for offshore drilling to a room full of cheering oil executives.” (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At Town Hall Event, Youngstown, OH, 8/5/08)
 
The DNC Attacked John McCain By Attempting To Link McCain To Exxon Mobil. “The Democratic National Committee launched an ‘Exxon McCain '08’ campaign today, seeking to tie Sen. John McCain to ‘big oil.’  ‘They contributed to the candidate in this race that is most in favor of fueling and juicing big oil prices while working families are getting hit at the pump and the pocketbook every single day,’ said Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, D-Md. ‘They have contributed $2 million to John McCain's campaign more than a million in June after McCain reduced his long standing opposition to offshore oil drilling.’” (John Santiucci, “DNC Launches 'Exxon McCain '08',” ABC News’ “Political Radar” Blog, blogs.abcnews.com, 8/6/08)

Obama Voted For The 2005 Energy Bill. (H.R. 6, CQ Vote #213: Adopted 74-26: R 49-6; D 25-19; I 0-1, 7/29/05, Obama Voted Yea)

John McCain Criticized The 2005 Energy Bill’s “Handouts To Big Business And Oil Companies,” Calling Them Irresponsible. McCain: “This bill does little to address the immediate energy crisis we face in this country. The handouts to big business and oil companies are irresponsible and will be disastrous for people of Arizona. I cannot in good conscience, vote to pass legislation that does not adequately address issues related to energy efficiency, security, and energy independence.” (Sen. John McCain, “McCain, Kyl Say No To Flawed Energy Bill,” Press Release, 6/28/05)

McCain Voted Against The 2005 Energy Bill. (H.R. 6, CQ Vote #213: Adopted 74-26: R 49-6; D 25-19; I 0-1, 7/29/05, McCain Voted Nay)

The 2005 Energy Bill Included $2.8 Billion In Subsidies For Oil And Natural Gas Production. “The conference agreement provides for $14.6 billion in tax breaks and credits between 2005 and 2015, including: — $2.8 billion for fossil fuel production…” (Toni Johnson, “CQ Bill Analysis: HR 6,” Congressional Quarterly’s “CQ Bill Analysis,” www.cq.com, Accessed 7/14/08)