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Gas tax could haunt [WA] Democrats at election time
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| Contributor | Ralphie |
| Last Edited | Ralphie May 21, 2005 08:04am |
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| Category | Perspective |
| Media | Newspaper - Olympian |
| News Date | Saturday, May 21, 2005 02:00:00 PM UTC0:0 |
| Description | After a decade where tax cuts were king, Washington lawmakers have fearlessly boosted highway taxes by $8.5 billion -- including an eye-popping 9.5-cent gas tax increase phased in over the next four years.
Well, maybe not fearlessly.
Lawmakers concede that their constituents are hopping mad, particularly with gas prices already through the roof. They fear the biggest tax vote in state history will come back to haunt Gov. Christine Gregoire and other backers in the next election.
Critics are mounting an 11th-hour initiative drive to get the taxes on the fall ballot, but the more likely scenario is that the issue will become part of the 2006 campaign landscape.
"There is such a chasm between Olympia and the world outside," and a citizen veto could well occur, said sponsor John Carlson, the 2000 GOP nominee for governor and Mr. Initiative before the days of Tim Eyman.
Gregoire and backers from both parties concede they're worried about the possible fallout, but are unapologetic about the vote and say they're ready to defend the bold package -- and themselves -- to the voters.
"It was leadership," said the rookie governor, who may face a revote this year or next. "I do think we're being visionary in the state of Washington."
The blowback has been swift, but it's still pure speculation as to whether the tax package will be overturned -- and whether Gregoire and individual legislators will be punished.
Even the strongest supporters acknowledge the loathing people feel for the new tax, especially with gas prices bumping $2.50 a gallon.
"There are a lot of angry people out there," said Haugen, who said she's been upbraided at her local supermarket on Camano Island. "People are so frustrated with the price of gas and they say this just adds insult to injury." |
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