Obama calls for $1,000 tax rebates to combat energy costs

Obama said he would pay for the $65 billion package with his proposed windfall profits tax on oil companies. The presidential candidate is trying to shift the focus of his campaign debate with Republican White House rival John McCain back to the economy after spending a week abroad and discussing foreign affairs issues.

"This rebate will be enough to offset the increased cost of gas for a working family over the next four months," Obama said in prepared remarks at a town hall meeting in the crucial swing state of Florida.

"Today, we learned that 51,000 jobs were lost last month, the seventh straight month of job loss – now totaling 463,00 jobs lost since the beginning of this year," he said in a statement.

"I've already called for an economic stimulus package on two different occasions this year, and much of what I've proposed has passed in Congress. These efforts have made some difference. But with job losses mounting, prices rising, increased turbulence in our financial system, and a growing credit crunch, we need to do more."

Meanwhile, Republican presidential candidate John McCain is scheduled to speak to the National Urban League in Orlando. On Thursday, McCain accused Obama of playing the "race card" in the campaign by saying that Republicans are trying to scare voters by saying he doesn't look like the presidents on US currency.