As gas prices in Michigan leap to $4, everyone seems to be looking for the answer to one question: Why?

Michigan presently faces the second highest average gas prices in the nation at $3.51 per gallon, trailing Illinois by roughly a cent, according to AAA.

"It doesn't surprise me just because the prices are so high, but at the same time I had no idea," English junior Anna Burch said. "Personally, it's been difficult because I've been trying to drive back and forth from (St. Joseph) to East Lansing … I've had to pay probably like $45 (per tank-full)."

The fuel fiasco has led some state officials to begin pointing fingers.

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer said part of the blame can be attributed to Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox.

"Michigan's gas prices are 40 cents higher than the national average," said Jason Moon, Brewer's spokesman. "We think Cox should do more to protect Michigan citizens against price gouging."

Brewer, in a statement, said Cox was not doing his job as attorney general to monitor Michigan's elevating gas prices and Cox was putting oil companies' profits ahead of the interests of Michigan consumers.

Cox spokesman Matt Frendewey dismissed Brewer's claims as a political tactic to divert attention from larger issues, such as the state's $802.8 million budget shortfall.

"It almost doesn't deserve a response," Frendewey said. "Mark Brewer's press release is just a distraction for what's going on in Lansing and the Granholm administration."

Under laws, such as the Michigan Consumer Protection Act of 1976 and the Michigan Antitrust Act of 1985, Cox can investigate possible predatory gas prices, Moon said, but has failed to act.

"He hasn't made any public statements," Moon said. "We think he should act to protect consumers.

"People are suffering at the pump right now. It's an important issue for everyone pumping gasoline. We think the Attorney General should do his job and protect Michigan consumers."

Many factors affect the price of gas, from consumption to the number of refineries in proximity to the state, Frendewey said.

"This affects the state in every way - from tourism to manufacturing to import and export," he said. "Gas prices affect everything."

Cox has met with the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice to address this issue.

Cox has been doing his job, Frendewey said.

"As attorney general, Mike Cox has done more for Michigan's consumers than just send out press releases," Frendewey said.