Ted Cruz is slamming his Democrat opponent, El Paso Congressman Robert Francis “Beto” O’Rourke, for a vote he took in support of increased taxes on Texas oil production.
In 2016, O’Rourke voted against a congressional resolution in opposition to a $10-per-barrel tax on oil proposed by then-President Barack Obama.
The resolution stated:
Whereas this tax could translate into as much as an additional 25 cents on a gallon of gas, when the Federal tax on gasoline is currently 18.40 cents per gallon;
It is the sense of Congress that— (1) a new tax should not be placed on oil, and (2) in considering future policy, Congress should carefully review the detrimental impacts of placing any new taxes on any industry that has seen a slash in jobs, revenue, and production.
Now the Cruz campaign, who has been ramping up their campaign in recent weeks, is purchasing billboards across the state of Texas informing voters of O’Rourke’s desire for Texans to pay 24 cents more per gallon when filling up.
The messaging is part of a continued strategy by the Cruz campaign to expose Texans to O’Rourke’s extreme views on issues like gun rights, tax reform, and energy policy.
The general election will take place November 6.