Hackett, Carney spar over oil

The two candidates in the 10th Congressional District are trying to prove their opponent isn't interested in lowering gas prices, The Times Leader reports.

U.S. Rep. Chris Carney (D-Dimock) criticized challenger Chris Hackett for investments he's made in ExxonMobil, Conoco Phillips and Chevron worth between $31,000 and $115,000, telling The Times Leader Hackett is more interested in financial gain than helping everyday citizens. Carney's campaign is urging Hackett to sell the stock.

The Republican Hackett shot back that Carney invested in mutual funds that held stock in oil companies, and said he's trying to distract the public from his opposition to domestic oil drilling.

"He has placed himself with the far-left liberal interests against the average American who is now paying more than $4 a gallon at the pump," Hackett spokesman Mark Harris told The Times Leader.

Energy plans, particularly domestic oil drilling, have emerged as a major issue this campaign.