Staying true to form and conforming to the warnings of conservatives, the Democratic controlled Senate approved a bill calling for a gas tax hike over the period of six years. All of the Senate’s 21 Democrats voted in favor while 4 Republicans deserted and voted to help raise taxes. Sen. Hanger, Harry Blevins, Fred Quayle, and John Watkins all decided that it would be nicer to increase taxes instead of cutting spending and nixing Tim Kaine’s attempts to expand government here in the Commonwealth of Virginia. If Republicans want to know why they’ve had such a hard time in Virginia over the last decade it’s because of Republicans who betray the will of their conservative base and decide to increase taxes and go along with Democratic schemes. My hat is off to Jill Vogel, Ken Cuccinelli, and all the Republicans who voted on principle to stand against increasing the burden on Virginians caused by ever increasing government spending.

It is doubtful that this measure will pass the House but never should we entrust our fate to the word of Speaker Howell. Be sure and call your Delegate and remind them of how irresponsible it would be to pile on more gas taxes with gas prices hitting above $3 a gallon. Hopefully we can stop this tax hike in it’s tracks and force a halt to any more expansion of government initiatives by the governor.