[img_assist|nid=356|title=U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=160|height=195]Ohio Democrats, the DCCC and the campaign of state Rep. Steve Driehaus (D-Price Hill) all took aim this weekend at U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Westwood) and the conservative advocacy group Freedom's Watch over the issue of gas prices.

The statements from the Driehaus campaign and Ohio Democrats are the latest in a series of back-and-forths that began with an automated call from Freedom's Watch to the residents of Ohio's first congressional district suggesting they call Driehaus to get him to reduce or repeal the state gas tax.

Meanwhile, DCCC chair U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) announced the organization will be running radio ads against Chabot "for standing with George Bush and Big Oil, while Ohio's middle class families are squeezed by gas prices."

Driehaus is challenging Chabot for Ohio's first congressional district seat.

The Driehaus campaign sent out a press release last week in response to Freedom's Watch's automated calls, pointing out that Driehaus voted against a six-cent increase in the gas-tax during the administration of former Republican Ohio Gov. Bob Taft.

Chabot campaign manager James Schwartz responded that they were disappointed Driehaus "chose to throw mud rather than offer his views on how to reduce gas prices." And Freedom's Watch spokesperson Tim Pearson said, "Ohioans are facing a daily barrage of record-setting gas prices, and Steve Driehaus apparently believes his responsibility to Ohio motorists ended with a vote he took more than five years ago."

Driehaus campaign manager Melissa Wideman responded to the Chabot campaign, while Ohio Democratic Party communications director Alex Goepfert took on Freedom's Watch.

"Maybe if Congressman Chabot stopped protecting Big Oil special interests and was actually serious about a comprehensive energy policy, middle class families wouldn't be struggling to make ends meet," Wideman said. "Instead he takes over $110,000 in campaign contributions from Big Oil and gives them billions in tax breaks and record profits."

Meanwhile, Goepfert responded to Freedom's Watch.

"In case we needed more proof that it's time for a change, apparently it's now become fashionable in Washington for Steve Chabot and Big Oil special interests to criticize Steve Driehaus for actually voting AGAINST an increase in the gas tax that Bob Taft foolishly signed into law," he said. "No wonder Ohio's middle class families are so outraged at Congressman Chabot for voting against lowering gas prices and rewarding his Big Oil contributors--who gave him over $110,000 --with billions of our hard earned tax dollars."

Freedom's Watch had since sent out a press release in which spokesman Tim Pearson said Driehaus claiming he's powerless to get anything done might make him feel better, but it doesn't help Cincinnati families "getting soaked at the pump."

"The fact is Mr. Driehaus is wrong: as a state Representative, he is empowered by the State of Ohio to introduce bills and craft laws-bills that could, for instance, repeal the state gas tax," Pearson said. "But by shirking his responsibility in a fairly transparent effort to deflect blame, Steve Driehaus makes it quite clear that he's not at all interested in actual leadership."

The DCCC and Van Hollen have since announced it would begin airing radio ads in the district that feature a comedian impersonating President George W. Bush.

"This July 4th, we are going district-by-district to hold Republicans like Representative Steve Chabot accountable for helping President Bush give tax breaks to profitable Big Oil companies and doing nothing to help hardworking middle class Americans who are paying more than $4.00 per gallon at the pump," Van Hollen said while announcing the ads. "This Independence Day, the American people deserve to be liberated from the Big Oil policies of President Bush and the rubber stamp House Republicans."

Van Hollen said they used a Bush impersonator because Bush's energy policies delivered high gas prices to Americans so "who better to deliver our message than someone who sounds just like him?"

Chabot is one of 13 Republicans being targeted by the DCCC's initial week-long ad buy. U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland), who represents Ohio's 2nd Congressional district, is another.

The Ad being run by the DCCC against Chabot:

"Phone Call" - 60 seconds

(Sound of phone ringing. After rings, ANSWERING MACHINE picks up):

Hi, you've reached the Office of Congressman Steve Chabot. Please leave a message at the sound of the beep and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

("PRESIDENT BUSH" leaves message):

Chabie..."W" here. Wanted to thank you for continuing to support the Big Oil Energy Agenda.

‘Preciate you voting to keep giving billions in tax breaks to the big oil companies.

Sure, gasoline is over four bucks a gallon and the oil companies are making record profits, but what's good for Big Oil is good for America, right? I guess that's why they call us the Grand OIL Party. (Bush chuckles.)

Heh, heh, heh.

Seriously, Steve, I know I can always count on you.

Gotta go. Bye now.

ANNOUNCER:

Call Steve Chabot at (513) 684-272 and tell him to stop rewarding the oil companies and start standing up for hard working Americans. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is responsible for the content of this advertising. Paid for by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, dccc.org. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

ALSO on PolitickerOH:

• Driehaus responds to automated calls suggesting he has the ability to reduce, repeal gas tax

• Chabot responds to Driehaus 'gas-tax call' release