Adam Hasner Bashes Bill Nelson on Energy

With the U.S. Senate clashing over dueling energy proposals, former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner is on the attack, bashing Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelsons votes which have followed party lines.

"With gas prices climbing and continued instability in the Middle East, it is difficult to comprehend why Senator Bill Nelson would vote to raise taxes on energy producers one day, then vote against expanded domestic energy production the next, said Hasner, who is running in a crowded Republican primary to take on Nelson in 2012. Today's bill to expand domestic energy production wasn't perfect, and I would push for a bill that goes farther to expand energy exploration and production in America. But the fact that Senator Nelson had no problem voting for increased energy taxes at a time when Floridians are paying some of the highest gas prices in the country makes no sense.

"Encouraging increased domestic production of energy should be a part of an overall strategy to create more economic prosperity and security in America, added Hasner. The more energy we create at home, the less we have to pay for it from other countries, the more Americans we employ in an industry that helps drive America's economy. American energy independence is also a national security issue. The more energy we produce here at home, the less hard-earned American money will be sent overseas to hostile nations who don't share our values or our best interests. Florida needs a senator that will fight for American energy independence, not election-year gimmicks that will do nothing to lower the price of gas."