Vice President and democratic presidential candidate Al Gore says oil companies should be dealt with “harshly” if there’s been price gouging at the gas pump. During a campaign speech in Des Moines, Gore said he’s “deeply concerned” about the conduct of the nation’s oil industry. The Federal Trade Commission is investigating the recent jump in gas prices. Gore said there’s no good explanation for the price hikes that have occurred in the Midwest. Gore also outlined his proposal for eliminating the estate tax on farms and small businesses worth five-million or less. Republicans, including Gore’s rival George W. Bush, suggest complete elimination of the death tax. Gore said that targets the tax relief to the wealthy. Gore said under the G-O-P plan, half the benefits would go to three-thousand wealthy families each year.