AUSTIN -- The unemployment rate is down and the president's approval rate is up, but rising gas prices threaten to cast a shadow on some recent good news for President Obama.
"It seems like just in the last couple days its gone up 10, 15 cents a gallon," said Austin motorist Chris Hyatt.
It's no illusion.
At $3.72 per gallon, the cost of gas hit its highest price for a President's Day weekend. Over the past month, the average price for a gallon of gas has gone up more than 20 cents. At this time last year, the average price for a gallon was $2.99.
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"It's just ridiculous even for a gallon of gas," said motorist Robert Young.
Gas prices nationally are nearing the four dollar a gallon mark, with some economists predicting it could be as high as five dollars this summer.
Added to it, Iran announced Monday plans to stop oil exports to French and British companies in retaliation for sanctions imposed by the European Union and United States.
Oil market analysts say it's a move more symbolic than damaging -- unlike the very real threat of open conflict between Iran and Israel over Tehran's nuclear program.
Rising gas prices have become stump fodder for GOP contenders in the presidential race.
"They are anticipating five dollars a gallon for gasoline in Chicago. Here we are just budding a recovery," Republican candidate Rick Santorum told supporters Monday in Steubenville, Ohio.
For its part, the Obama administration announced Friday plans to open up new areas of oil exploration in Alaska.
Closer to home, Central Texas Congressman Michael McCaul (R) has similarly called for increased oil and gas exploration in addition to continued advancements in alternative energy.
The big question -- If they continue to rise, could gas prices move voters come November?
"I guess if it became an issue with the candidates," said Hyatt. Young agreed, "Yes, most definitely."
A survey conducted Feb. 8 - Feb. 15 by the University of Texas and the Texas Tribune shows Rick Santorum enjoying a significant lead among Texas voters.
Santorum leads with 45 percent of those surveyed, followed by Newt Gingrich with 17 percent, Mitt Romney with 16 percent and Ron Paul with 14 percent.
