For GOP, recess a chance to relax and pump gas for constituents

Freshman Rep. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) announced on Tuesday that he will be pumping gas for constituents on Wednesday morning at an Exxon station in Charlestown, making him the latest of several Republicans who have taken to manning the pumps to highlight rising gas prices under the Obama administration's watch.

Scott said the Exxon station would serve as the first location for his new "Talkin' Shop with Tim" series of discussions with constituents.

"I'll be pumping gas starting at 9 a.m. tomorrow, and I want to hear from you as to how high energy prices are affecting your family," Scott said Tuesday.

On Monday, Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) pumped gas for constituents at a Quik-E Foods in his home state.

"I've introduced legislation in the Congress to allow for exploration for oil and natural gas off the coast of Virginia," he said. "President Obama has been blocking that."

Earlier in the month, Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) announced that he would pump gas at the Thumb Butte Gas and Convenience store.

"Discuss real energy solutions as Congressman Paul Gosar pumps your gas," read a statement announcing the event. "Tell Congressman Gosar how pain at the pump hurts your family, and how you want more energy development."

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) reportedly pumped gas on April 10 at Fast Break Gas Station in Lino Lakes, Minn.

"Just as recently as three and a half years ago, gasoline was $1.84 a gallon," Bachmann said. "We can get back down into this range again but we have to legalize American energy in order to be able to do that."

In March, Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) pumped gas at Danny's Family Car Wash in Scottsdale.

"It is no secret that this administration's energy policies have failed," he said "Pouring billions of dollars into failed renewable energy companies that go bankrupt, is not a sustainable policy, and neither is failing to address our own resources at home."

Even then-GOP presidential candidate Newt Gingrich pumped gas for customers in Alabama.

"I have a challenge for the president," he said on March 7. "I would be glad to debate him at any gas station in America." Gingrich has since dropped out of the race.

While Republicans and many energy analysts were predicting that gas prices could reach as high as $5 a gallon earlier this year, the average price per gallon appears to have peaked in early April, roughly when Republicans started pumping gas.

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