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Andy Warren, a Democratic candidate in the 8th Congressional District, wants to reduce gas prices through investment in mass transit and other incentives.
Warren is calling on Congress to provide incentives for scientific innovation that can reduce gas mileage in vehicles. He also favors investments in alternative fuels such as wind, solar, hydrogen, bio-diesel and electricity.
The candidate blamed Republicans for remaining loyal to profitable oil companies.
"Oil companies have to stop gouging the consumers, and Congress needs to stop supporting their actions by giving them large tax cuts," he said.
Warren is a former PennDOT executive and member of the SEPTA board of directors. He also served as chairman of the transportation committee of the National Association of County Officials while he was a Republican Bucks County commissioner.
Patrick Murphy, his opponent in the May 16 primary, held a news conference outside a Gulf station in Bristol Township to call on Congress and the Bush administration to take action on gas prices. He called President George W. Bush and Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick "asleep at the wheel."
Murphy called for investments in alternative energy, especially hybrid technology, to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil.
The candidate wants greater production of and extended tax incentives for the purchase of hybrid cars, which deliver better gas mileage but are more expensive than traditional automobiles.
"It should be less money," he said.
Murphy agrees with Gov. Ed Rendell, who has called on the federal government to impose a windfall profits tax on oil companies.
"I think that’s a great start," he said.
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In two newly released polls, Murphy led Warren by 16 and 2 points.
Global Strategy Group has Murphy ahead, 37 percent to 21 percent, despite having lower name recognition. Murphy’s advantage in fund-raising should help him become better known.
Fitzpatrick holds the edge over Murphy in the general election, 49 percent to 35 percent.
A Zogby International poll shows Murphy leading Warren, 26 percent to 24 percent.
Warren and his supporters celebrated that news last week at a rally at his Penndel headquarters.
"The more money Pat spends and the more people learn about him," said former Bucks County Democratic Committee chairman Milt Berkes, "the more they are changing their support to Andy."
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Gene Stilp, a Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, is blasting Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll for avoiding debates.
Stilp has debated the other two candidates, Valerie McDonald Roberts and William A. Hall III.
The candidate, in the Northeast last week to criticize Pennsylvania House Speaker John Perzel for his role in last summer’s legislative pay raise, said the 75-year-old incumbent is "past her prime."
Stilp knocked Knoll for handing out her business cards at the funeral of a soldier who was killed in Iraq. He contended that the incident shows she lacks judgment and skills.
The winner of the primary will run on a ticket with Gov. Ed Rendell.
"She’s not capable of stepping in the shoes of Ed Rendell," Stilp said of Knoll.
McDonald Roberts also criticized Knoll for skipping debates.
"Even longtime employees have to show up for an annual review," she said. "If you don’t show up, what does that say about your commitment to your employer?"
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The state and city Fraternal Order of Police lodges have endorsed state Sen. Tina Tartaglione (D-2nd dist.).
"Our police officers are our front line of defense in every threat, from terrorists to aggressive drivers," she said. "We must give them all the tools they need to remain safe and effective."
Tartaglione is running for her fourth term. She faces Republican Chris Morris. ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com