Gov. Jim Doyle joined the state of Michigan Monday in starting a petition to cap excessive oil-company profits, which will be sent to lawmakers in Washington, D.C.

"Big oil is raising prices simply because no one is stopping them," Doyle said in a release. "It's time for President Bush and leaders in Washington to get off the sidelines and get in the game."

The petition is in response to record-breaking profits oil companies have made this year, as well as gas prices climbing over $3 per gallon in Wisconsin. ExxonMobil — now the largest corporation globally — makes an average profit of more than $300 million daily, according to the governor's release.

In addition, Doyle is asking Congress and President Bush to repeal taxpayer subsidies that benefit oil and gas companies.

Doyle urges Wisconsin residents to join the effort by signing the petition online.

"Congress should act immediately for families who need it," Doyle spokesman Matt Canter said. "The high price of gas is putting a squeeze on middle-class families, while oil-company profits are through the roof."

Sen. Dave Hansen, D-Green Bay, who worked on price-gouging legislation, including Senate Bill 373, applauded the governor's call to action.

"We've got to find a way to cap profits," Hansen said. "Prices are out of control. The government should give us relief at the pumps because [the high prices] will hurt tourism and travel this summer."

But critics argue Doyle's request is unnecessary and efforts should focus more on local issues.

Todd Allbaugh, spokesman for Sen. Dale Schultz, R-Richland Center, said the governor should focus on "what we in Wisconsin can do [about price gouging]" and added the Senate has passed several measures to curb rising gas prices.

"The 'Cash for Gas' bill was passed, which allows retailers to offer a lower price on gas if the customer pays with cash rather than a credit card," Allbaugh said. "We have also eliminated the annual automatic gas-tax increase."

Allbaugh added that although citizens are free to participate in the democratic process, the petition may not be effective and may simply be electioneering.

Meanwhile, Doyle stands by his petition.

"The governor is not opposed in any way to oil companies making profits. But [oil companies] should not be putting the economy and budgets of families in a stranglehold. [The profits] are unconscionable," Canter said.