UPDATED: Chabot camp questioning what Driehaus will owe to labor group after advertising push

The campaign of U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Westwood) is questioning what state Rep. Steve Driehaus (D-Price Hill) will owe to "mega-union," the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, after an additional $180,000 is being invested in advertisements against Chabot in Ohio's 1st Congressional district from left-leaning interest group the Patriot Majority.

Driehaus is challenging Chabot for the seat.

Patriot Majority is being funded by AFSCME.

The additional $180,000 comes after PolitickerOH.com reported that Patriot Majority was already spending over $200,000 on advertisements in the district.

The Chabot campaign questioned how much "big labor is willing to spend to distort Chabot's positive energy record."

"I don't know what Driehaus and his deep-pocketed friends have against lower gas prices, but it's clear that money is no object to them when it comes to keeping our American resources off-limits," said Chabot campaign spokesperson Katie Fox.  "With the tab running just shy of $400 grand, voters should be questioning how much Driehaus will owe these special interests if elected."

The Chabot campaign said Chabot believes the United States should pursue a comprehensive plan that invests in renewable energy sources like wind and solar but also expands domestic oil production capabilities to meet today's energy demands.

UPDATE: The Chabot statement comes after a Driehaus release that questioned Chabot's support from oil companies.

Noting oil companies' record profits, the Driehaus campaign questioned the amount of donations Chabot has recieved from such companies.

"Perhaps the only thing more outrageous than Big Oil making billions in profits while Ohioans are stuck with record high prices at the pump is Congressman Chabot rewarding his Big Oil contributors-who gave him over $111,000-with billions of our hard earned tax dollars," said Driehaus in a statement. "We've had enough of Congressman Chabot and President Bush doing Big Oil's bidding and that's why today I am renewing my call for a comprehensive energy policy so we can finally declare an end to America's dependence on oil."