IMPEACH BUSH

WASHINGTON -- A new Quinnipiac poll released today shows that most Americans blame oil companies for high gasoline prices -- but many also blame President Bush.

The survey of 1,711 people, conducted June 5 to 11, found that while 43 percent thought oil companies were largely responsible for the runup in prices, 20 percent thought Bush was the reason.

The poll comes as both the House and Senate consider ways to reduce American dependence on oil. The Senate is debating a broad energy bill, with some votes expected today, while the House Resources Committee approved legislation Wednesday that would force oil companies to work more closely with landowners and ranchers.

Oil companies have maintained the provision would hurt domestic production, but proponents maintain it would help preserve public lands threatened by development.

The poll gives new political fuel to the congressional debate, which lawmakers have considered one of the most important this year. Constituents have made it clear that high gasoline prices are a prime concern.

The Quinnipiac survey shows why. It found 58 percent of those polled have cut back significantly on their driving, while 48 percent have slashed household spending because of the high gasoline prices. And one-third said they had changed their summer vacation plans because of the prices.

And these cosnumers made it clear they will hold their elected officials accountable.

"American voters say rising gasoline prices are striking close to home, as most are cutting back on their driving and many are reducing other household expenses," said Maurice CArroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, in a statement.

"But rather than pointing the finger at oil-producing countries, especially favorite targets such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, two-thirds of Americans blame the oil companies and the president with roots in the oil business," he said.

The poll did show some political divide--only 6 percent of Republicans blamed Bush, while 30 percent of Democrats and 21 percent of independents named him as the culprit.