Presidential candidates on both sides of the aisle often tout their plans to save you money at the gas pump but according to one political scientist, they may just be trying to appeal to voters.  Western Illinois University Professor Keith Boeckelman says the president has some, but not much, control over gas prices.

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Gas prices are usually a big factor during an election year and it usually impacts the sitting president.  But Professor Boeckelman adds it may not be the biggest issue in this election.

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The price of gas has spiked over the past month, which seems to be typical during a presidential election year.  Gas prices hit a record high in 2008, soaring above four dollars in some areas of Illinois.  President Obama used the high gas prices to his advantage on the campaign trail, just as GOP presidential candidates are doing now.