(Photo: flickr/pat00139)

On Nov. 29, I first reported about a new organization calling itself the Affordable Gasoline Coalition, a loose collection of 16 independent gas stations that has partnered with AAA Mid-Atlantic to accuse Joe Mamo, owner of the majority of stations in the District, of unfairly raising gas prices beyond what would be expected of the market. Mamo's defenders include Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Post, which alleged that Mamo's critics simply use him as a scapegoat for rising prices.

The coalition of independent stations strongly supports D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh's long-floating bill on the matter, which would prohibit Mamo's dual role as a station operator and gas "jobber." The bill drifted in limbo throughout the fall, but I personally have seen and talked to coalition representatives collecting signatures in its support in November. Now the coalition has released an ad attacking Mamo with all the standard talking points you might imagine.

Here's their case against the man of business:

Not entirely shabby. The monopoly board is a clever touch, as is the appeal to common District residents interviewed here on camera and expressing disdain for the idea of a monopolistic gas operation. But what's with that music at the end? Very strange and not quite polished.

Still, the ad represents a new step forward for the coalition, which, I imagine, also has an arsenal of signatures ready for Cheh to bring to the D.C. Council as she pushes her bill forward this year.

Hat tip to the City Paper for first alerting me that the Affordable Gas Coalition is kicking their PR into full gear with this new video. I'm not convinced the bill will go anywhere yet but am intrigued to see the ongoing renewed push in its favor.