Once again the Independent Petroleum Association of America has chosen a few good candidates for the U.S. Congress.
Since the 1976 congressional election, IPAA's "political wildcatting" program has been backing candidates whose philosophies on energy issues are consistent with IPAA's. Political affiliation is not a consideration.
IPAA members are free to choose whether they should support the selected candidates, although the association does contribute to some of them through its Political Action Committee.
The PAC is new to the political wildcatting program, as is a policy of occasionally supporting congressional incumbents.
In the current election, IPAA backs conservative commentator Bruce Herschensohn over Democratic Barbara Boxer for an open Senate seat in California.
And in California's 41st congressional district, it has picked Republican Jay Kim, a California Independent Petroleum Association member, over Democrat Bob Baker.
In Idaho's senatorial election, IPAA backs Boise Mayor Dirk Kempthorne, a Republican, over Democrat Richard Stallings, currently in the House of Representatives.
For Delaware's only seat in the House of Representatives, IPAA supports outgoing Gov. Michael Castle, a Republican, over the Democrats.
In Ohio, IPAA picked Lt. Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, over incumbent Democrat Sen. John Glenn.
And in Arkansas, IPAA is backing Democrat Blanche Lambert for the 1st District House seat.
Copyright 1992 Oil & Gas Journal. All Rights Reserved.
