Virginia’s Republican and Democrat gubernatorial candidates, Ken Cuccinelli and Terry McAuliffe, have taken two completely different positions on a transportation package before the General Assembly. One stands with taxpayers and one stands with higher taxes.

Republican Ken Cuccinelli: “In these tough economic times, I do not believe Virginia’s middle class can afford massive tax increases, and I cannot support legislation that would ask the taxpayers to shoulder an even heavier burden than they are already carrying."

Democrat Terry McAuliffe: “Virginia simply cannot afford to miss this opportunity to make substantial progress on transportation.”

New regional taxing authorities, a higher sales tax, a higher car tax, an internet tax scheme, and a higher diesel fuel tax all result in what could amount to a $6.1 billion tax hike over 5 years, once fully implemented.

With the General Assembly scheduled to vote as early as this afternoon, the Republican Party should think about where they stand: with Democrat gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe or Republican nominee Ken Cuccinelli.

“I applaud Ken Cuccinelli for opposing what he rightly describes as a ‘massive tax increase.’ Given the high cost of gasoline, slew of new Obamacare taxes, and the overall increased burden of a growing federal government, this is a horrible ‘opportunity’ for higher taxes,” said Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform.

“Virginia legislators preparing to vote on the amended transportation plan should ask themselves where they stand. Do they stand with Terry McAuliffe, the Democrat nominee for Governor or with Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli? Legislators should stand up for taxpayers instead of against them.”

[PDF of Press Release]

Posted by Paul Blair on Thursday, February 21, 2013 2:17 PM EST

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