The National Republican Congressional Committee has released Youtube footage of Oregon Congressman David Wu driving a huge GMC Yukon truck, despite promising to be a champion for the environment:

From Politico:

WTOP reports Wu's camp defended their boss: "Wu, who is married and has two children, bought the black GMC Yukon eight years ago so that it could carry his dog, a couple of strollers and his family, spokeswoman Julia Louise Krahe said. The congressman and his family regularly practice recycling in their household," she added. "He demonstrates his commitment to the environment in a number of ways, both personal and professional," Krahe said.

Eager to find out the transformative impact this footage may have on Oregon's political climate, the Mercury called Wu's opponent in the 2010 primary, David Robinson.

Robinson drives a BMW that gets 22 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway, but "would prefer the story not be about the vehicle choice I have made." "Obviously when I get the financial opportunity to purchase a more environmentally friendly vehicle I would do so," he told the Mercury, adding, "it's better than driving a GMC Yukon."

Robinson says "Cash for Clunkers was Obama's great program to get environmentally unfriendly vehicless off the road." He thinks vehicle purchasing decisions are a matter of personal choice, and while some people need vehicles like a GMC Yukon "for the haulage capacity," "the congressman made a choice not to take advantage of the financial incentives to purchase a more environmentally friendly vehicle."

Robinson chose not to trade in his BMW, either, of course. But that's a debate for the 2010 primary, I suppose. And to think, some say Oregon has grown complacent about its environmental protection reputation. "The congressman and his family regularly practice recycling in their household." Nice.

Wu's office and the NRCC are yet to return calls for comment.