Richardson criticizes McCain proposals

WASHINGTON, June 28 (UPI) -- Like GOP presidential candidate John McCain's ideas to curb rising U.S. energy prices are simply "gimmicks," New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson said Saturday.

Richardson said during the weekly Democratic radio address that the Arizona Republican's energy proposals would likely result in a loss of jobs and not impact U.S. citizens' reliance on foreign oil.

"John McCain is offering gimmicks that on the surface may sound good; but, in reality will cost us jobs and won't help families. And they certainly won't reduce our addiction to imported oil," Richardson said. "Senator McCain's gimmicks -- a gas tax holiday that will save consumers at most a gas tax holiday that will save consumers -- at most -- 30 cents a day for three months, and offering a prize for inventing a car battery -- are not answers."

In addition to criticizing the presumptive Republican presidential candidate, Richardson applauded Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., the likely Democratic presidential nominee, for his energy proposals.

"Barack's plan to build a new energy future and a stronger middle class is not a partisan issue -- it's an American issue," he said. "It's the right thing to do."