Why does James Inhofe (R-OK) take such a strong position against the science of global warming? Why does he seem to go out of his way to create doubt about this particular issue, and no other? Why does he dismiss the large consensus and data that shows a crisis is at hand?
As always it’s instructive to follow the money. So I headed over to opensecrets.org and here's what I found...
Top contributor for 2006 by industry sector, 1) Energy and Natural Resources: $604,965.
Top contributor for 2006 by industry: 1) Oil and Gas: $319,708, 2) Electric Utilities: $195,907.
Top individual contributors for 2006, 1) Murray Energy Corp: $22,800, 2) Koch Industries: $22,750
Travel Financed by Special Interests for 2006 Cycle: 34 trips
Total Cost of trips: $45,131.92
Sponsor of most trips: Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Assn.
Top contributor for 2004 by industry sector, 1) Energy and Natural Resources: $590,219.
Top contributor for 2004 by industry: 1) Oil and Gas: $304,156, 2) Electric Utilities: $188,713.
Top individual contributors for 2004, 1) Murray Energy Corp: $33,200, 2) Koch Industries: $22,750
Top contributor for 2002 Election by industry sector, 1) Energy and Natural Resources: $533,519.
Top contributor for 2002 Election by industry: 1) Oil and Gas: $284,706, 2) Electric Utilities: $162,213.
Top individual contributors for 2002 Election, 1) National Republican Senatorial Cmte $33,500, 2) Murray Energy Corp: $33,200, 3) Koch Industries: $16,750
One can go back even further in Inhofe's political career and it plays like a broken record. Each and every year he has run for office big energy has been there for him, always at the top of his contributors list. It's clear who he represents. The very industry that would be most affected if even a small portion of Gore's proposals were taken up by Congress.
The energy industry has its man in DC. His name is James M. Inhofe and he's the ranking Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, formerly the Chairman.
Fox, meet hen house.