Barton must lose after apology to oil giants

Should we be surprised that U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, the top recipient of the oil industry's campaign contributions since 1990, has apologized to BP for a "shakedown?"

This crook is the chairman-in-waiting of the House Energy and Commerce Committee? What a joke.

We have finally found an elected representative from Texas who surpasses the audacity of some of our Illinois politicians. We can only hope that the voters in Texas are smarter than we are, and get rid of Rep. Barton at the earliest opportunity. And now would be a great time to carry through on some campaign promises, President Obama.

Contributions should be restricted, monitored, and published so that elected officials vote as their constituents dictate, instead of voting to fatten their already inflated pockets and egos.

Peggy Burzinski

Arlington Heights