LAS VEGAS -- Democratic 3rd Congressional District candidate Dina Titus held a press conference Thursday in front of a Shell gas station in which she blamed the rising cost of gasoline on the Bush administration and her opponent, U.S. Rep. Jon Porter (R-Nev.).

Citing gas prices that hit an average of $3.94 in the 3rd district today, Titus, joined by Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), said the way to reduce gas prices was through new legislation to prevent price gouging, repealing tax breaks for big oil companies and expanding development of renewable fuel sources.

"The people in this district are hurting because of the Jon Porter/George Bush agenda," said Titus. "It's hitting them in the pocket book and not just with the cost of gas."

Titus said rising food, health insurance, drug and consumer goods prices have all happened "on Jon Porter's watch."

"While he just plays in the band, the rest of Nevada falls further and further behind," Titus said.

Titus said that Nevada is a "gold mine" for renewable energy such as geothermal, solar and wind power, but that those sources have not been effectively exploited.

"We're the only state in the west that doesn't have a fully developed wind program and yet the opportunity's there," said Titus. "It's a shame that Jon Porter hasn't done more to tap into those opportunities."

Van Hollen, who is touring different districts in the west as head of the Democratic effort to build their House majority, referenced a recent presidential trip to Saudi Arabia, where Bush unsuccessfully lobbied the Saudi government to increase oil production.

"That is the Bush/Jon Porter attempt at an answer to the energy crisis," said Van Hollen. "It's that kind of thinking that's got us in the trouble that we're in."

Porter has said that part of the solution to lowering fuel costs was to expand domestic drilling, including in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Titus, however, said she would not support drilling in ANWR.

"Even the Bush administration's Department of Energy issued a report saying that in twenty years it would bring down the cost by one cent [per gallon]," said Titus. "That kind of destruction of the environment for that little relief that long in the future is not worth it to me."

Pressed by reporters about the immediate impact of her proposals, Titus admitted that they may not lower gas prices too much in the short term.

"It's going to be long-term, but you've got to start somewhere," said Titus.

Nevada's 3rd Congressional District is viewed as one of Democrats' best hopes to pick up yet another Republican seat in the House. Van Hollen cited the split nature of the registered electorate and Titus' record both politically and electorally as proof of their chances.

Other districts Van Hollen visited today included Arizona's 3rd District and the Oregon 5th.

For more coverage of Van Hollen's efforts, click the links below from PolitickerAZ and PolitickerOR:

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