Reply #94: Now they are even turning down that discounted oil he's offering... [View All]

[countryjake]

Maine Repubs say no to Chavez oil deal
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8K9GPKG0.htm

AUGUSTA, Maine
By GLENN ADAMS
Associated Press Writer

~snips~

Maine Republican legislative leaders on Thursday asked Democratic Gov. John Baldacci to avoid doing business in the future with Hugo Chavez, saying the Venezuelan leader has insulted President Bush and the United States by his remarks before the United Nations.

Under an agreement last winter, Citgo, the Houston-based subsidiary of Venezuela's state-owned oil company, was to sell 8 million gallons of heating oil on the open market and donate what amounts to a 40 percent discount to Maine. It also donated 120,000 gallons of oil to 40 Maine homeless shelters.

Assistant House GOP leader Rep. Josh Tardy of Newport said Thursday that while Maine has economic problems, "we're not so desperate that we need handouts from a man who comes into our country and calls our president the devil in front of the whole world."

The House Republican leader, Rep. David Bowles of Sanford, said, "It was unfortunate that we struck a deal with (Chavez) last year for oil. The governor cannot make the same mistake again."