GOP says Obama energy, economic plans would crush coal-heavy Pa. economy

A pair of Republican officials argued U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's (D-Ill.) proposed energy and economic policies would wreck Pennsylvania businesses and families in a conference call with reporters Wednesday afternoon.

Deputy RNC Chairman Frank Donatelli and Allegheny County Republican Party Chairman Jim Roddey criticized the presumptive Democratic nominee's proposals ahead of his visit to Pittsburgh on Thursday for an economic competitiveness summit.

"It's ironic he calls it a 'competitiveness summit' because his economic proposals would actually harm American competitiveness," Donatelli said.

They both decried what they identified as a series of his proposed tax increases, and Roddey used the opportunity to take a shot at another Democratic big-wig, Gov. Ed Rendell.

"We already know in Pennsylvania we've been taxed to begin with," he said.

He and Roddey also harped on Obama's energy plan, which they said doesn't do enough to incorporate coal. Pennsylvania is one of the world's leading coal producers.

"Pennsylvania could lead the way in clean coal and liquefied coal," Roddey said. "Maybe he's still punishing us for being bitter."