HOUSTON -- Political attack ads targeting big oil companies are common all over the country.

But you might not ever see them in Houston, hometown of big oil.

The ads target politicians in other states who’ve taken money from and given tax breaks to big oil companies.

One Obama campaign ad says this:

“Every time you fill your tank, the oil companies fill their pockets. Now, big oil’s filling John McCain’s campaign with $2 million in contributions. After one president in the pocket of big oil, we can’t afford another.”

Houston political consultant Dan McClung said the ads try to play on one emotion: anger.

“Well, I think generally Texans and oil companies are a target,” McClung said. “You’re angry; here’s who’s causing the problem.”

That problem, of course, is the high cost of gas.

And according to the ads, the folks at fault are those cigar-smoking, bourbon-drinking, cowboy-hat-wearing Texas oil men.

So 11 News went looking for those millionaire oil men along the energy corridor in West Houston. That’s where oil giants like BP and ConocoPhillips have their officers.

Instead, 11 News found Chad and Helen Nosker, who work in the oil industry.

“Most people we know do (work in the oil industry). They’re not wealthy people. They’re average-income, middle class … maybe. Ha!” Helen Nosker said.

They say the Texas tycoon stereotype certainly doesn’t apply to them.

But that said, there’s no question Congress has given huge tax breaks to oil companies, and those companies are enjoying record profits.

And while the Obama campaign is attacking McCain for taking oil money, they’ve taken it too – about $1.4 million from energy companies, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

Energy executives ask, is all this somehow surprising?

“There’s nothing surprising. When times are good, the oil industry does very well. But we all know from history, times aren’t always good,” energy industry consultant Jon Vague said.

Vague grew up in the oil business, and now he’s a consultant.

“Whenever you have that kind of clout and influence, obviously you will be involved in government in some form or fashion,” Vague said.

He sees the attack ads as overblown in every way.

“I fit the profile of the new Texan,” Vague said. “No hat, no boots, no cigar.”

But that kind of Texan might not make it into a big oil political attack ad.