Projo Politics Blog

Running low on presidential politics?

The folks at the Obama campaign will pump out some talking points on energy issues today as motorists top off their tanks at gasoline stations in Providence.

``What better time to talk to people about the rising cost of gas than when they're actually putting it into their car?'' said Ray Sullivan, the newly-named chief of presidential candidate Barack Obama's Rhode Island campaign. ``Talk about a captive audience."

Congressman Patrick Kennedy and Mayor David Cicilline will be among the surrogates (it's campaign season; get used to that word) who will represent the candidate at the gas pumps. All told, the campaign aims to visit a dozen gas stations to pass the word on how the Democrat plans to attack the energy crunch.

One highlight that might appeal to customers as they shell out dollars for gas: If he is elected, Obama's campaign says his program will ``give American families an immediate energy rebate of $1,000 to deal with soaring gas prices.''

Kennedy and Cicilline will kick off this campaign promotion at 12:30 p.m. at the waterfront public area at 575 South Water St, Providence.

Added bonus: After campaign workers make their pitch for the candidate's plan, they will offer to register motorists to vote.

---