Transportation Plan is Dead

Yesterday the Senate Finance committee killed the joint GOP transportation proposal and instead passed Chichester/Potts' plan for a gas tax increase.

The original plan was defeated 11-4 with only Stosch, Stolle, Norment and Wampler voting in favor (GOPs voting against were Chichester, Hawkins, Quayle, Hanger, Watkins and Potts).

The substitute plan carried by Potts passed 9-6 with Stosch, Stolle, Norment, Wampler, Hanger and one more voting against.

This is important on two fronts. First, it will lessen the ammo for declared or possible primary challengers to Stosch, Stolle, Norment and Wampler as well as add to the ammo against the others (most especially Potts, Watkins and Hanger who already have people thinking about challenging).

The second thing about this is that now the possibility of a transportation plan is dead. I have been told that the GOP in NOVA was essentially betting the farm on this plan passing, and that they are probably all screwed since it didn't. The business community has apparently told the GOPs that they wanted to see something happen this year or they were going to be cut off.

With 3 GOP senators being badly threatened and a dem seat that is ripe for takeover, this could spell disaster for the GOP Senate majority. Also, this makes it very tough to win any dem HOD seats in NOVA and probably means Delegates like Callahan, Albo and Frederick are all toast.

Furthermore, there is always a possibility that Kaine could call a transportation special session; thereby lessening the incumbents ability to fundraise while making it look like he wants to do something (which by the way he doesn't).

Kaine is swinging for the fences in 2007; and he just might hit the Grand Slam the way things are playing out.