Thompson Switches Stance On Ethanol

Republican Says Changes In Oil Prices, Security Made Him Back Subsidies

(AP)  Republican presidential hopeful Fred Thompson acknowledged Wednesday that he's reversed his position on ethanol subsidies, saying his new stand is based on changes in energy prices and security issues.

Thompson spoke about the issue after touring an ethanol plant, one of dozens in Iowa, which leads the nation in ethanol production. The actor and former Tennessee senator was finishing a five-day trip to the state, where precinct caucuses begin the presidential nominating process.

Meeting with reporters, Thompson acknowledged that he had switched his position on subsidies for ethanol.

“I have voted against subsidies in the Senate,” said Thompson. “But I think it's a matter now of national security and we've got to avail ourselves of a lot of different resources, and I think renewable has to be a part of that picture.”

Carrie Giddins, communications director for the Iowa Democratic Party, was quick to point out that Thompson opposed such subsidies as a senator.

“Iowans deserve to know why Thompson tried to kill the ethanol industry while in the United States Senate,” she said.

Thompson noted the difference in oil prices today compared to when he was a senator from 1994 to 2002.

“When I was in the Senate, I think oil was at $23 a barrel,” said Thompson.

Oil now is about $80 a barrel.

It has become a staple on the campaign trail for presidential candidates to tour ethanol plants, such as the Nevada facility that produces 50 million gallons of ethanol a year. The plant employs 43 people and processes 50,000 bushels of corn a day, a demand that has helped increase the prices for the crop.

Thompson said turbulence in oil-producing regions of the world have added urgency to the push for energy independence.

“Our need to move toward energy independence has become absolute,” said Thompson. “So much of our energy depends on troubled spots in the world. It's just a different environment.”

[hwy71so]

Sounds like a responsible reason for changing his stance.

I''m still not sure the government should be getting involved in this, but I''m open for discussion.

I''ve just never viewed commerce as being the president''s job. But, like I said, I''m more or less neutral on it and can go either way.

[abbe91]

I guess he, and Bush, got shares from bio fuel companies. It would be very naive to believe that at the end of the day, oil and bio fuel production will not be in the same hands.

[taotxzen]

America needs to make these kind of decisions and do them fast. We also don''''t need any "flip-flop" lectures from any dumberncrap posters here as their own Mrs. Clinteflon, Tazin''''Kerry, or that ole''''CHAP Kennedy. You want to play one-sided games on issues then keep it up. I''''m good at that too.

Posted by cfin5 at 07:18 AM : Oct 04, 2007

cfin5:

You forgot to blast Al Ozone-Man Gore, the guy thats been talking about alternative energy for years. You know, the guy that won the 2000 election.

[abbe91]

http://www.venturebeat.com/2006/11/05/why-cellulosic-ethanol-will-not-save-us

[cfin5]

America needs to make these kind of decisions and do them fast. We also don''t need any "flip-flop" lectures from any dumberncrap posters here as their own Mrs. Clinteflon, Tazin''Kerry, or that ole''CHAP Kennedy. You want to play one-sided games on issues then keep it up. I''m good at that too.

[thisandthat1]

WELL? Which is it, Fred?

[hideronpaul]

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[kansas1946]

Lord, this guy has flip-flopped more than Romney, and I didn''t think that was possible!! I do love the little green hat though. Kind of reminds me of Dukakis in the helmet on the tank. Just about as ridiculous.

[taotxzen]

Would somebody please give him the right script. Or maybe he is just getting too old to remember his lines, ala Paul Newman.

[realpatriot1]

As soon as he saw those Iowa cornfields he saw the light on ethanol subsidies. By the time he gets to Oklahoma & Texas he''ll love oil again.

[socrates392]

FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP!

Hey this is fun! Now I know what is was like to be a Republican in 2004!

[rushlimpdrug]

Give it up Fred.
There''s still room in McCain''s nursing home.
They will change your Depends 3 times a day.
You''ll be happier there.

[cfin5]

Excellent decision! If we can get off of the middle east oil fix that would help out our economy alone. Don''t our farmers spend their money here and help keep our economic wheel turning? I see this as a security issue too. I also hope that it doesn''t turn into a partisan issue like everything else it seems......Thank you Mr. Thompson and every other like minded candidate!