Ryan Challenger Rob Zerban Blasts Congressman on Great Lakes Drilling

Saying Congressman Paul Ryan (R-Janesville) is more interested in lining his pockets with Big Oil money than protecting the economic interests of Wisconsin residents, Rob Zerban released a statement on Feb. 16 blasting Ryan for his stance.

Here is the full release:

I am appalled, yet not surprised, that Congressman Paul Ryan chose to sell out Wisconsin and our Great Lakes to the Big Oil corporations who fuel his campaign. It is immoral to put filling one’s own campaign coffers over the best interests of Wisconsinites who use the Great Lakes for economic and recreational purposes every day. Our state thrives when our Great Lakes thrive. This issue is simply too important for Paul Ryan to continue to play politics with.

Because of our lakes, anglers spend billions each year in our communities. Tourists come from neighboring states and beyond. Wisconsin has nearly 175,000 Great Lakes-dependent jobs. Paul Ryan’s dependence on Big Oil’s campaign contributions should never outweigh the disastrous economic effects of drilling in the Great Lakes. But with this vote tonight, he made his priorities devastatingly clear.

I started my public service going door-to-door talking to people about the importance of protecting our Great Lakes with the League of Conservation Voters. I know people throughout our lakefront communities and around our state who survive because of our Great Lakes, and who do not want to see oil rigs on the horizon; a sad reminder of Paul Ryan’s blatant ignorance of our state.

It is a shame that with one vote Paul Ryan attempted to destroy all of the hard work so many have done to ensure healthy lakes for Wisconsin. Paul Ryan made it clear tonight that he is so grossly out of touch that he simply cannot be trusted to protect our Great Lakes, or Wisconsin.