Reader comments
Chaffetz says Demos to blame for energy crisis

CJ | 12:23 a.m. July 18, 2008

The problem is with those people who think that gas prices being this high is a good thing. There are many happy people, who are now using these high prices to ask for money from the government to fund them.

Al Gore today says we can be off oil entirely in 10 years. It is far more likely Mr. Gore invented the internet than the US eliminating all Fossil Fuel energy from this nation. It's not practical, the cost benefit is terrible, and there are many better options that can help humanity overall.

Anonymous | 5:47 a.m. July 18, 2008

Although Mr. Chaffetz is largely correct in his thinking on this, the better answer is for Congress and the federal government to GET OUT OF THE WAY so that entrepreneurial companies can find better and cheaper ways to provide energy, whether from oil, solar, or some other source.

The U.S. Department of Energy doesn't produce one watt of energy. Why do we insist on looking to them (or anyone in Washington) for a solution?

Mr. Independent | 6:24 a.m. July 18, 2008

I am an independent voter - but I generally make it my rule to vote democratic in local elections (to try to bring some balance to our lopsided state legislature/gov mansion), and I always vote republican in national elections (because national democrats have catered to extreme left-wing interests whom I believe have led to the amoralization of the United States). However, I did vote for Orton, and I would vote for Matheson if I were in his district. I am so grateful to have been a part of finally ridding us of Cannon, and now I'm glad to see articles like this that help to convince me that I should vote for anybody who is running against Chaffetz, as long as I feel sure that they will not go along with their party on what I believe are litmus test issues - gay rights and abortions for all. It is starting to look like Bennion Spencer would be an appropriate representative for Utah in Congress. Besides, nobody cares if a radical right-wing Republican votes against the Democratic leadership on those litmus test issues - but when a democrat does - that says something - and something I want said.

Comments continue below

Not quite | 6:32 a.m. July 18, 2008

I don't live in the 3rd District, but I'd vote for Chaffetz if I did. Even so, I don't think he's quite correct. There is plenty of blame to go around, but the energy gridlock since the Democrats took over is impossible to ignore. We can also thank ourselves for driving up demand. Every time one of us buys a vehicle that gets less than about 25 mpg in city driving, we are part of the problem. Every time you drive as a single occupant you are part of the problem. Every time you fire up your gas lawn mower to manicure your yard, you are part of the problem. Conservation of fuel should be part of our conservative lifestyle. It is fiscally efficient, which a lot of us believe is important.

James | 7:04 a.m. July 18, 2008

Now wait a second, I thought the gas prices were Chris Cannon's fault?

Hmm, so if Chaffetz ran for state school board would it be the state school boards fault?

Chaffetz is a world class con man.

Allow me to define con man. It is short for confidence man. He gains your confidence then takes advantage of you.

I am still shaking my head over his many positioned approach to illegal immigration. First he is going to put all 20 million in tents in the desert. That was for the right wing zealots of the convention. Then for the primary voter he decided what the heck, let's give'em all visas instead.

He gained your confidence and now he is taking advantage of it.

This is the same guy who blasted Cannon over and over again for taking money from Washington DC special interests, then the FIRST thing he does once he wins the primary is go to Washington DC special interests and beg for their money.

He first blaims Cannon for gas prices, now it's the Democrats fault.

Integrity matters. He has none.

I'm a life long Republican who will do everything I can to elect Spencer.

Chaffetz, must go!

Refreshed | 7:17 a.m. July 18, 2008

Wow - what a delightful change from Chris Cannon.

Amen! | 7:48 a.m. July 18, 2008

Chaffetz is right on. ANWR is a barren wasteland. The caribou heards that were supposed to have died out once the pipeline was built have actually increased. All the doomsday prophecies turned out to be false. There's no reason not to drill in ANWR.

If people see the potential for additional supply on the market, the futures market won't look quite so appealing and the speculators won't be as successful at driving up the price of oil.

If Bennion Spencer is willing to let environmentalists push us around, he'll never get my vote. I believe in conservation and I live it. But I reject the notion that extracting energy resources will destroy life as we know it.

I couldn't agree more with Chaffetz that global warming is a farce. Climate change is no farce. But I reject the idea that man can control the planet's climate cycles. I don't care how many billions of dollars we spend, we can't control Mother Nature. I DO NOT want to elect someone who wants to flush our economy down the toilet in a futile attempt to control the planet's climate.

Tom Paine | 7:48 a.m. July 18, 2008

The "opinion" of an irrelevant congressman from the irrelevant state of Utah, is irrelevant.

Ha Ha Ha | 8:11 a.m. July 18, 2008

Jason Chaffetz flies off to Alaska with a bunch of Republican neophytes, spends a couple of days, dines with the oil magnates, and then comes back and tells us he has it all worked out. Just blame someone else? Ha Ha Ha.

Ridiculous

Anonymous | 8:12 a.m. July 18, 2008

I thought Chaffetz said that Chris Cannon was partly responsible for fuel prices. Why the change from Chris to the democrats?

LOL | 8:15 a.m. July 18, 2008

This guy is up in the night. Demonize the Dems and win big in Utah. He says he's going to explore alternatives while already getting in bed with oil lobbiests. We have everything to lose and nothing to gain by drilling in ANWR. Repubs are using it as a wedge issue because of energy prices, but in reality it's a couple of big businesses hoping to cash in by drilling in an untapped area. It will do little to nothing to aleviate gas prices -- but will damage one of the few remaining pristine wild areas we have.

Chaffetz is a hack | 8:16 a.m. July 18, 2008

IS he prepping himself for a job at Fox News? This guy is not what he seams. CHAFFETZ = Conservative con man.

Kev L | 8:25 a.m. July 18, 2008

Yah democrats have had control of congress a little over a year and it is all their fault don't forget that we have a president that vetoes every thing that they try to do unless it was his idea

wow... | 8:30 a.m. July 18, 2008

DesNews sure censors the comments on their site.

lost in DC | 8:34 a.m. July 18, 2008

demos, repubs, independents, anyone who uses fossils fuels is partly responsible for the high cost of energy.

Gore is an idiot; there is no jet engine anywhere that can propel a 747 on solar generated electricity. Or wind generated, etc etc etc. How many trillions of dollars will it take to replace all our cars with electric cars (do you want to go out right now and bury your cars and shell out $60,000 for 2 new electric cars? What about the cost of replacing all the gas stations with quick-charge electric refilling stations? That would be even more trillions of dollars, borne by the consumers, you and me.

We sit and do nothing with ANWAR while the Canadians pump it dry from their side then sell it to us. And haven't we noticed, the Alaska pipeline put in decades ago killed off all the caribou in Alaska; it was an environmental disaster. (sarcasm in the second sentence, in case you can't tell).

I'm not a geologist, but I would suspect one reason why oil companies don't develop all of the leases they hold may be because they are not economically feasible with current technology??

Dave Argyle | 8:34 a.m. July 18, 2008

Inaction on energy issues is killing our economy. We heard arguments that it would take ten years to see any effect from new developments ten years ago, and we did nothing. Smart move.

Al Gore is high on something if he thinks this country can divorce itself from fossile fuels in 10 more years. It just ain't gonna happen. But we do need to be agressively pursuing all fronts, including more local oil production to help our economy along until newer and cleaner alternatives can be developed to the point of being economically feasible.

Robert H | 9:10 a.m. July 18, 2008

I agree to a degree with Kev L about where the blame lies.

To put all blame on the Democrats is not being genuine. Gas prices have been a train wreck in waiting that has developed over many years of failed, actually no policies.

To blame the Democrats is half right but half wrong. Considering inflation a big part of this problem lies squarely at the feet of Republicans and their thirst for money from the Fed.

This is like Republicans beating up on Democrats in Utah for big government, though the failure of that argument is clearer here: Democrats haven't run Utah since the 1970's.

I also agree that Chaffetz is a con man. When it is good to bash Cannon he does. The article last week was titled something about bashing both Republicans and Democrats. Now that he wants Republican money I guess he is dropping the 'bash Republican' act and is just going after Democrats.

Do you get the sense this guy will say anything to pick up votes?

I'm leaning towards Spencer or Noorlander. If Spencer has a chance at winning I'll vote for him to defeat Chaffetz. Otherwise Noorlander for a clean conscience.

IM | 9:48 a.m. July 18, 2008

Are you serious? This guy never stops talking and taking convenient political positions. I agree with the fact that the Dems have stopped much of what we need to do to develop our energy here at home BUT CHaffetz was blaming energy on Cannon.

So is it the fault of the Dems or Cannon?

Chaffetz sticks his finger in the wind and goes with what's selling. You may have disagreed with Cannon on certain issues but at least he said what he thought (a problem sometimes when running for office).

WAKE UP 3RD DISTRICT! CHAFFETZ IS A HACK!

RC | 9:53 a.m. July 18, 2008

Well we need to vote aall the Dems out of congress before they bankrupt all of us. There only intrestest is in haveing us send 700 billion a year to other countries untill were broke, and have them control our lives.

Some of you think it,s all Bushes fault.

Who promised us all they would lower the price of gas if we would elect them two years ago.

We did and what did they do ? The Dems have caused the price of gas to double.

Who said he was glad the price of gas is four dollars a gallon ? Obama the dems new savior.

The do nothing dems wasted another day telling there lemmings we must make the oil companies use there 68 million acres of oil lease or loose them. It took a day for the Rep. to explain to the dems this was allready the law.

Why do 75% of americans want the oil companies to drill off shore and in anwar? Duh Because thats where the oil is. Some Lib once asked the bank robber Willey Sutton why he robed banks, and he had to explain to him that was where the money was.

RE | 9:54 a.m. July 18, 2008

There are over 140 actual leased tracks right now that these oil companies have that they cannot drill in. They have the leases. They can drill in some of them but they can't produce. In others they can look but they can't drill. So when people come out and say, these oil companies already have these giant tracts of land, ask yourself and ask them, do they have the right to drill and produce on those lands.

Bill Keshlear | 9:55 a.m. July 18, 2008

Nancy Pelosi responsible for high gasoline prices? Excuse me? Chaffetz is starting to master Karl Roveï¿½s art of ï¿½the rhetoric of diversionï¿½ and ï¿½the unsubstantiated talking point.ï¿½ Both tricks get a free ride from the media. Both tricks do nothing to find solutions to serious problems.

No vote for Jason | 9:57 a.m. July 18, 2008

So Jason what kind of SUV are you driving these days and did you use Net Jets or Marquis Jets to fly up there? We are all to blame for this, we got greedy and bought these big gas guzzlers, built big energy consuming houses and we consume and consume more and more fossil fuel. I have some gas and oil wells investments in Texas and each well they drill cost millions before you even get $1 back and that is driving 44 semis out to lizard pasture in W. Texas for one rig. Oh yes, a rig cost 7-15 million dollars to build. What do you think the cost will be to get these rigs up to the wilderness with no roads, no housing nothing $8 gas here we come. Along with all that we have no increased refining capacity in the US for process the oil if in fact they find any. If they started tomorrow that fuel supply is a good 10 years from making it to your gas tank Jason.

Nostradamus | 10:04 a.m. July 18, 2008

Chaffetz spent all that money and time to tell us this? I predicted that he'd blame the Democrats for the failings of a GOP dominated congress and White House for the last decade before he got on the airplane.

Why is a third world country like Brazil energy independent? Conservacrits laugh at Gore when he says we can do the same thing in a decade? We can put a man on the moon with ancient computer technology in the same time, but it's just too hard to exploit the abundant solar/biomass/wind/biofuel/geothermal resources in our own backyard? Instead we're being held back by a patch of land in Alaska that promises to drop the price of gasoline by $0.04 in a decade? Excellent math Jason.

Moseby | 10:39 a.m. July 18, 2008

Thank you, Mr. Chaffetz. You're slowly winning my confidence.

James | 11:00 a.m. July 18, 2008

Hey Nostrddamus, I got a kick out of your post.

Let me see, the Democrats see through Chaffetz. About half of the Republicans see through Chaffetz. Now to see how many independents will see through this con man.

If Spencer is similar to Jim Matheson or Bill Orton I predict he wins. Chaffetz really had to take lobbyist money, fly to Alaska to see with his own eyes?! Seriously?!

He is nothing but a PR guy with a microphone. I predict that if Chaffetz gets a flat tire he will run a press release. If he won a raffle ticket he will hold a press conference.

The only people drinking this up are the zealot, anti-immigrant crowd of the right wing. And I understand they are even getting leary of the guy. Apparently they are feeling ripped off over immigration. He was great during the convention, promising tent camps for all illegals, then he shifts to giving visas to 20 million with a pathetic title even a 5 year old could see through. Then he plans to fly "wing man" to Mr Amnesty Jeff Flake of Arizona.

Chaffetz is con man of the decade!

INDy-Utahn | 11:19 a.m. July 18, 2008

First, Chaffetz thinks he's got the race in the bag. Then, he caters to lobbyists by jetting off to ANWR and next, he blames Democrats for the energy crisis. He's as out of touch as he is living out of a district he feels he is entitled to represent. The energy crisis is an American problem and there is no short-term solution. Sounds like he is jumping on the Bush-Rove fear mongering bandwagon, to push through a drilling policy that is not a real solution. The answer lies in energy diversity. The energy crisis is an opportunity for the money making oil companies to use their profits to invest in building an infrastructure to utilize other energy resources. I agree with Mr. Spencer in that we cannot drill ourselves out of this problem. By the way, when are we going to see a photo of Mr. Spencer?

Confused | 11:25 a.m. July 18, 2008

Chaffetz seems to have multiple personality disorder. This is the third different chaffetz I have met. There was the convention, concentration camp, everything is Chris Cannons fault chaffetz. Then a primary, guest worker, most things are cannons fault. Now a general election, everything is the democrats fault chaffetz. You chaffetz sycophants are right, Chaffetz is principled and consistent just like Barack Obama.
A few more personalities he has, which did not surface in the election were; Dukakis staffer chaffetz, and my personal favorite, Australia with Nuskin money Chaffetz.

Give more land to big oil?? | 11:37 a.m. July 18, 2008

I am sorry, but giving more land and money to big oil is not a good idea. I think that drilling in Alaska is just a bandage. We need to shift our thinking. I am not saying be a "tree-hugger", but economically speaking their is big money to be made in alternative sources of energy. This is the one thing we have over China. Let's make America the leader in alternative energy! I hate paying so much for gas. As far as supply and demand goes, when less of us rely on gas (say those who drive hybrids or ride a bike) then the price will come down. Just my opinion.

Give more land to big oil Part 2 | 11:36 a.m. July 18, 2008

I am so embarrassed, I said "their" instead of "there". Awhhh... it's Friday... My apologies to all.

basinboy56 | 12:41 p.m. July 18, 2008

Bennion Spencer shows his total ignorance of the oil industry with his comments. We already know the reason oil isn't being produced on existing leases: in most cases, 3D seismic tests show that there is not enough oil to justify the expense of drilling at those locations! Maybe he ought to come out to the Uintah Basin and learn a little about the oil industry before spewing the ususal liberal-enviro propaganda?!

I don't buy the liberal enviro's argument that drilling in ANWR won't reduce gas prices. Opening up ANWR and offshore areas will cause a drop in oil futures prices which will eventually translate to lower prices at the pump.

The more democrats we can kick out of congress in the next election, the better off we will be!

Robert H | 3:47 p.m. July 18, 2008

I think Chaffetz is simply counting on the fact that half the Republican party is simply going to turn our brains off and vote for him.

I think he is going to be sadly mistaken.

I was contacted today by a member of the Republican State Central Committee who is prepared to resign that position to defeat Chaffetz at any cost. As much passion as there was to defeate Cannon remains to get Chaffetz. His distortions and pandering to the crowd is really catching up to him.

Should make for an interesting race.

ElkMan | 4:12 p.m. July 18, 2008

We need to show that Chaffetz is just another ultra-conservative nut case. We need to elect more solid Democrats like Matheson and Caroon.
Utahns need to think before they vote. Let's not just do the sheep thing and vote for someone because they are a Republican.
Let's elect a good solid Democrat in District 3. Let's clean up this state's image!!!

Seriously | 5:40 p.m. July 18, 2008

Chaffetz proposes we look at ALL options for energy independence. Spencer doesn't. Chaffetz believes in fiscal discipline and won't go into debt for his campaign. Spencer doesn't and already is in debt. Chaffetz believes in enforcing the rule of law AND fixing legal immigration, without creating a free ride on a pathway to citizenship. Spencer believes that a wink and a nod should do it and that all illegal immigrants should be on the quick path to citizenship. James, I know who you are. I look forward to your resignation from the state Republican central committee and hope to NEVER see your name associated with the Republican party again.

the truth | 6:10 p.m. July 18, 2008

We have a liberal nut ranting a raving aagainst chaffetz again. Dominiating the comant just like the other day.

Lets's get the facts straight:

Prices on gas have been going up every year,

They didn't dramaticially increase until 2 years ago.

So what changed 2 years ago?

Did the presidency change two years ago? NO.

Did the congress change two years ago? YES.

the math is very simple math.

The democratic controlled congress caused the dramatic increase in gas and oil prices.

Chaffetz is correct.

Whether you like him or not, or whether you agree with him or not, whether hate him or not, whethter you call him names or not.

Morgan H | 6:57 p.m. July 18, 2008

Jason Chaffetz has hit the nail right on the head. We need to drill more,and expand nuclear solar and wind power where feasible. When Mr. Spencer says that instead of new oil wells the oil companies need to use their current leases did he already forget that Congress has imposed a 30 year ban on building new refineries and they also attached a rider to a law passed which prohibits the leasing of public land to develop oil shale. The Democrats in control of Congress will not overturn the ban and Sen Obama's plan is to tax the oil companies windfalls which means that tax will get passed on to you and me the consumer so we won't see a drop in oil prices anytime soon as long as liberals like Harry Reid and Nanci Pelosi continue to control the U.S. Congress.

Say No to Personal Attacks | 6:59 p.m. July 18, 2008

Chaffetz showed true class by demonstrating respect for Cannon even though he clearly disagrees on key issues.

I never heard Chaffetz use derogatory labels or personally attack his opponents. He was and is about the issues.

I think voter turnout would improve if we could stick to issues discussions instead of always resorting to personal attacks when we don't agree. Look how many respondents to this story have stooped to personal attacks. That's what makes people think they don't like politics.

I wish people could simply argue the merits of an issue like adults - instead of engaging in childish personal attacks and labels.

Repbulican figting. | 7:05 p.m. July 18, 2008

All you Republicans ought to rethink your place in the universe. You belong to a party that has lost it's soul. George Bush has spent us in to oblivion by fighting illegal wars. Bush has let illegal aliens run roughshod all over the country. We are almost in a 1929 type depression.
Mitt Romney who was probably the best candidate to run for President since Reagan and Truman was defeated because he was a Mormon. The bible thumping fascists have taken over your party and they hate you Mormons.
You need to come over and support a conservative swing in the Democratic Party. Democrats don't care if your a Mormon and they believe in helping the poor etc. I don't know how you can be a Mormon and a Republican. So, COME ON OVER!!!

Lulu | 8:13 p.m. July 18, 2008

I thought Mr. Chaffetz might have an idea about SOLVING the problem! Now we find out that he went all the way to Alaska to find out it was the Democrats' fault??? You gotta be kiddin' me . . . .another politician passing the blame instead of solving the problem.

Well, he won't get my vote. Sorry. Thought he might be different.

Are there any problem solvers out there?? Step forward, please.

Lulu | 8:20 p.m. July 18, 2008

What?? It took Chaffetz a trip to Alaska to find out the oil mess was the Demo's fault?? He could have found that out from his Republican friends a lot sooner and a lot cheaper.

And it all happened in two years??? Whoa . . .where was he the first six years of the Bush administration?

I mistakenly thought we might have a chance that Chaffetz would be a problem-solver. Sorry, I was wrong. Just another poliltician passing the blame around.

arc | 9:02 p.m. July 18, 2008

Re: listen before you speak. Bennion should do that some. He made the mistake of wondering why oil companies haven't used or drilled all their current leases. That is pretty obvious. The oil, if there is any, in those locations is too deep or expensive to get, or they would have got it or at least started pumping already.

Jane | 9:59 p.m. July 18, 2008

I have to say that I do find it an interesting coincidence that gas prices have risen every year since the Democrats took Congress. However, it would be naive to say that any one party is the root of our current crisis. We need to combine conservation, new energy sources and some drilling in ANWR. As for ANWR being pristine, according to my niece who lived in Alaska, it is tundra. Unless I missed a lesson in physical geography, tundra is pretty much a frozen wilderness rather than a pristine wilderness! I think that on this issue Chaffetz has more going for his argument than Spencer. He wants to explore all possibilities and get us out of what amounts to "energy bondage" with nations that hate us.

Cynthia | 10:22 p.m. July 18, 2008

I'll post this but I'm sure it won't make it through. The Des News is notorious for censoring this board- if you are on an opposite side of the Editor's brother that is. James, can say pretty much anything, no matter how stupid, wrong, or crappy, and it will not be censored. Interesting.

As for the article, I wouldn't believe it lock-stock and barrel. There's more to the story than what they're reporting.

Brigham | 10:39 p.m. July 18, 2008

What a shock! After a trip to Alaska arranged (but not paid for!!!) by Arctic Power, an Alaskan LOBBYING GROUP, Mr. Jason Chaffetz is singing the praises of arctic drilling and snuggling right down into the deep comfy pocket of oil money. Ahh, lobbying groups. I'd already become convinced that Mr. Chaffetz was the new poster boy for arrogance after reading in the Deseret News that he laughed out loud when told that his Democratic opponent felt he had a chance to win the seat. Now normally, politicans make a polite comment along the lines of, "it's a wide open race," or something generic like that. Laughing in your opponent's face is a new one on me. Is this the guy we want to sent to Washington to represent us? Sounds like he'll really fit it and make us proud.

Mom to Many | 10:52 p.m. July 18, 2008

Cynthia, "Wow" and others. Yup, you are totally right about the censorship. "James" must be on the Des News payroll and can post the nastiest, baseless stuff ever, but try to counter with facts and your posts disappear into lala land.

I applaud Jason Chaffetz for trying to learn as much as he can about ONE avenue to explore to help solve our energy crisis. As this article points out, he knows it's got to be a multi-pronged approach.

If Bennion Spencer wants (wanted) to be taken seriously as a candidate, perhaps he could do more than parrot the environmentalists propaganda lines.

arc | 11:59 p.m. July 18, 2008

It is a shame that some of the comments being made about Jason were made before the primary. I personally asked Jason about several of them. The rumors didn't hold ture in the light of day. Former employers of Jason have donated money to his election. Members of the Huntsman family have donated money for his election, and people that knew Jason when he played football have been supportive. Based on that, Jason can't be what is being said about him. Also, since Jason is using just volunteers, he can't be the jerk a few think his is, as why would dozens and dozens spend their time to help him get elected. They aren't doing it for money.

arc | 11:47 p.m. July 20, 2008

I think putting your head in the sand doesn't solve things. I am glad Jason is willing to look at many options. We can't just save energy and solve this. I feel that many of the democrats have pulled too many options off of the table.

Lowell | 2:06 p.m. July 21, 2008

BOTH parties are to blame for the current situation. Extremist views about and injunctions (over) protecting our ecosystems began in earnest in the 1980s. Tree huggers "shopped" all the way to Hawaii in that decade, for example, to find a federal judge who was brazen enough to lock up vast tracts of timber in the Idaho and Montana mountains already purchased by the lumber companies who were subsequently put out of business because they were enjoined from harvesting the timber that had rightfully purchased. Blaming the other political party does NOT advance the dialogue, it is not the hallmark of a statesman, and it is NOT TRUE. Blaming is what politicians do--it is (or should be) beneath you.

And if you want to blame someone (identify the cause of our systemic problems), then name the real culprits: the FED (that creates "money" out of thin air and thereby STEALS some of the value of laborers), together with a complicit Executive (that has bankrupted the country in wars in foreign lands) and Congress (that fails to hold the other two branches of government accountable for their extra-constitutional activities).

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