So what does Exxon and other oil hogging giants do with all their oil profits?

One avenue that helps their chances at minimizing operating costs and other related expenditures (to increase a relatively low profit margin 10.83%, to be fair…but why, 11% at $4/gallon?) is to contribute to people in congress who will vote in their favor to keep laws and restrictions from hindering their abilities to achieve these record breaking goals.

Well, now there’s a little tool made available to us by the people at the Center for Responsive Politics. It’s a game called “follow the oil money;” a game you and I can’t win.

To play, just click this link, enter your zip code and find out how much your congress people are getting from big oil profits.

In words that almost quote John Wayne…”It’s re-gosh-darned-diculous!”

I don’t want to point fingers but let’s point fingers.

First let’s look at the Speaker of the House.

Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA08)

She accepted $36,800 from the oil and gas industry since 2000. She supported the industry in 22% of selected votes. From this she doesn’t look all that evil, but evil is as evil does, right?

• All contributions since 2000: $36,800
• 110th Congress (2007-2008): $9,200
• 109th Congress (2005-2006): $25,100
• 108th Congress (2003-2004): $0
• 107th Congress (2001-2002): $2,500
• 106th Congress (1999-2000): $0

Let’s use my former Governor turned Senator as another example, Senator Voinovich. This is what he has received since 2000.

Yeah, I’d be smiling too.

Senator George Voinovich (R-OH)

He accepted $176,117 from the oil and gas industry since 2000. He supported the industry in 100% of selected votes. 100%!!!

• All contributions since 2000: $176,117
• 110th Congress (2007-2008): $23,450
• 109th Congress (2005-2006): $12,200
• 108th Congress (2003-2004): $90,850
• 107th Congress (2001-2002): $34,150
• 106th Congress (1999-2000): $15,467

Do you think he’s feeling this petroleum crunch? Here are the specifics.

The total of the contributions in this table may be less than the overall total because some contributions have been hidden by the filtering options.

It’s just disgusting. I urge you to send this link to everyone you know. Let’s expose corruption for what it’s become…and that’s congress.