Space, Kilroy push back on GOP energy talk

Campaigns of two Democratic House candidates fired back at their Republican rivals after the GOP candidates released energy plans recently.

Republican candidate for the 18th Congressional District Fred Dailey (R-Mt. Vernon) talked about gas prices and energy supplies yesterday in a press conference with House minority leader U.S. Rep. John Boehner (R-West Chester).

U.S. Rep. Zack Space's (D-Dover) campaign critizied the seriousness of Dailey and Boehner's energy talk. 

“After years of failed Republican leadership that put the interests of Big Oil over the interests of working Ohioans, Dailey, Bush, and Boehner are now talking about energy and gas prices," said Space campaign manager Dan Kelly. "There must be an election coming up!"

Kelly said Space has cosponsored legislation to crack down on oil company "price gouging" and introduced legislation to "give rural commuters a tax break to help offset the costs of rising fuel prices."

Meanwhile, 15th Congressional District candidate Mary Jo Kilroy (D-Columbus) attacked state Rep. Steve Stivers (R-Columbus) after he announced his energy plan two weeks ago.

Campaign Manager Randy Borntrager was asked when Kilroy would release her own energy plan, and said she'll do so when she sees fit. 

"While as a career corporate lobbyist Steve Stivers often tried to control the legislative agenda, Mary Jo’s campaign will do things on its own timeline," Borntrager said. "Energy and gas prices are major issues and we will unveil a plan soon that does more than just pander to special interests by giving oil companies more tax breaks."