The direction of gas prices has everybody guessing and conspiracy theories abound. As gas prices have inched up a few cents this last week, some are using it to fuel their theory that Republicans, most notably George Bush, have used their influence to keep gas prices low before the election but now that elections are over and the Dems have Congress, they have given the nod and prices will creep back up.

Others reckon that gas prices may continue to go down, based on the theory that Democrats are into pushing conservation. They speculate that Democrats will focus on hybrid vehicles, conservation and bringing ethanol in as a contender fuel, which will lower the demand and ease prices on gasoline.

As usual, the consumer watches his fuel gauge and the prices on the sign at the gas station, while the politicians and market experts argue.