“We’re bringing this to the forefront, so people understand that Republicans are trying to bring forth solutions to this problem, instead of just rhetoric,” Hackett said during the news conference held at Calex Logistics.

Hackett, who is vying for the 10th Congressional District seat against U.S. Rep. Chris Carney, D-Dimock Township, used Tuesday’s platform to criticize congress, in general, and Carney specifically for not voting to allow offshore drilling and other proposal that he said would reduce high gas prices.

Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, said the majority of Americans support increased domestic drilling and Congress should follow suit.

“Let’s vote on the issue,” Cole said. “Why isn’t this being debated on the House floor?”

Carney’s staff and Democrat supporters said the first-term incumbent has supported numerous projects to reduce fuel prices, such as legislation that would require oil companies to begin producing oil and gas on public land leased, but not being used, and co-sponsoring legislation that would prevent investors from driving up the cost of oil without actually being able to deliver the product to market.

Hackett said Carney should support legislation that would allow offshore drilling. Although more people are supporting the idea, Hackett said, Congress hasn’t produced a bill that could be voted on either way.

“Chris Hackett is more of the same. His campaign has taken thousands of dollars from Big Oil and he’s personally profited from record high gas prices — he certainly cannot be trusted to reduce gas prices for Pennsylvania families,” said Carrie James, a regional spokesman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Gas prices in Northeastern Pennsylvania have dropped in recent weeks after reaching an all-time high of an average $4.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in the region on July 17, according to the automotive group AAA. The regional average Tuesday was $3.80, according to AAA.

Calex President Doug Barbacci and Barbara Edwards, a real estate agent, spoke during the news conference about those fuel prices are affecting their businesses, including cutting jobs and selling off assets. Barbacci and his wife donated $4,600 to Hackett’s campaign in September. Calex office is about 5 miles out of the 10th Congressional District, but Barbacci said many of his more than 200 employees live in the district.

“Until an energy policy is defined, Calex will be forced to continue to make tough decisions about such things as benefits packages for our associates, continuing a hiring freeze, and frankly, about maintaining existing associates,” Barbacci said.

Cole’s visit to the region highlights the importance the GOP has placed on the race. Cole called Hackett a top challenge candidate, and the 10th a “great district for Republicans.” In another sign, Freedom’s Watch, a conservative group that supports Republican candidates, is starting more radio advertisements against Carney today, criticizing the Democrat about gasoline prices. The ads will run for two weeks, a Freedom’s Watch said, and Carney is one of 12 Democrats targeted by the group, which already ran oil-related advertisements against Carney and Rep. Paul Kanjorski, D-Nanticoke, during the Fourth of July weekend.

Congressional Republicans have continued to protest Democrats’ vote to adjourn on Friday without passing legislation related to offshore drilling of oil. Carney split with his party on that issue, voting against recessing on Friday.

“He ought to come down to the floor and participate with us, then, and argue to come back in,” Cole said. “We’re happy to have that. But at the end of the day the most important vote you cast in Congress is the first one. The person who is blocking this is (House Speaker Rep.) Nancy Pelosi. Rep. Carney voted to put her there … Believe me, you’re accountable for the leadership of your party.”