CONCORD--Nashua radio talk show host Jennifer Horn (R-Nashua) accused her opponent U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes (D-Concord) of failing to provide leadership on energy independence.

Horn said Hodes has voted against legislation that would improve America's energy supply, while the Hodes campaign called its candidate "a leader" on renewable energy sources.

"We've had an energy crisis brewing in our country for over 30 years. If we leave it to Paul Hodes and this Congress we'll be talking about it for 30 more years," Horn said today at a press conference at the Red Blazer restaurant. "We cannot leave it in their hands. They will continue the need for energy independence and not do anything about it."

Horn said that Hodes has voted against a bill to build more oil refineries, increased taxes on oil production and voted to restrict oil drilling on land owned by the federal government.

Mark Bergman, Hodes campaign spokesman, said that Horn is reciting "Bush talking points."

"For someone who spends a lot of time talking about Paul Hodes' record, she doesn't seem to be too familiar with it.  This is what we have come to expect from her campaign, negative attacks, finger pointing and Bush talking points," Bergman said in a statement. "Congressman Hodes worked with both sides of the aisle on a compromise to expand domestic oil drilling for a short term stop gap but knows that we can't drill our way out of this energy crisis."

Bergman added that Hodes has fought price gouging on oil prices, voted to end speculation in oil markets and voted to stop giving subsidies to oil companies.  
Horn said that her energy plan includes expanding offshore drilling and tax credits for the development of renewable energy sources.

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