Club for Growth Blasts Bill Howell, Other Republicans on Abuser Fees

By: Lowell
Published On: 8/14/2007 7:52:30 PM

Well, you certainly don't see this too often:

Anti-tax conservative activists launched a revolt against the Republican leaders of the General Assembly Tuesday, calling for GOP legislators to replace House Speaker William J. Howell and warning that the party risks steep losses in the November election unless the abusive driver fees are repealed.

At a news conference to discuss a lawsuit aimed at abolishing the bipartisan transportation bill approved in April, several anti-tax activists said they and other conservatives may sit out the Nov. 6 election because Howell (R-Stafford) and other GOP leaders continue to defend the new fees on bad drivers.

Ah, the sweet sound of Republicans bashing each other.  But wait, it gets better:

"Our General Assembly, in its wisdom, has turned the entire Commonwealth into a giant speed trap," said Paul Jost, president of the Virginia Club for Growth.

Jost, a millionaire and frequent contributor to conservative causes, said his organization will not endorse any Republican delegate or senator this year who voted for the transportation bill. Nearly all Republicans supported the bill, which passed overwhelmingly.

"It's time for new leadership in both houses of the General Assembly," Jost said.

You can say that again, Mr. Jost!

P.S. Can we say "Virginia really could be a swing state in 2008?"

[UPDATE:  More coverage here,  here and here.  My favorite quote comes from Paul Jost: "Some of these folks, they're not the brightest guys around."  Actually, I'd say "too clever by half."]

[UPDATE #2: VBDems points out that this is a REPUBLICAN "circular firing squad" for a change.]

Comments



It's their fault! (mkfox - 8/14/2007 9:27:28 PM)
It's the taxophobes who fought against a gas tax hike which is why the abuser fees were passed!


Only one thing matters to today's GOP (TheGreenMiles - 8/14/2007 10:14:51 PM)
They're anti-tax.  Screw transportation, screw schools, screw fiscal responsibility.  No new taxes, no raising old taxes, and get rid of the estate tax.  Let Democrats come up with solutions, then we'll try to get elected by criticizing those.


and Democrats have a candiate in Howell's 28th House District (JohnB - 8/14/2007 10:41:15 PM)
His name is Clyde Matthews ... http://clydematthews...


Remember ... (varealist - 8/14/2007 10:46:26 PM)
...when a few weeks ago many people were outraged that Tim Kaine would stand and support the fees. I offered that it was a brilliant political move because why take this issue off the table. Now, here's that strategy playing out as Repubs start eating each other alive as they try to save their political lives.

As much as this issue stinks, we need to keep it on the table and who better to keep it there then the governor, who can't run again? We're inching closer to taking over the General Assembly...ths issue is so wildly unpopular in every corner of the state (except Dave Albo's house).



Circular Firing Squad (David Campbell - 8/15/2007 8:32:36 AM)
"The Virginia Club for Growth, an anti-tax coalition, announced Tuesday it will not back any state legislator who voted earlier this year to increase transportation funding.

The vow suggests the conservative group will have little future relationship with the General Assembly's Republican majority, which voted 71 -7 for the plan. Democrats, in contrast, voted 44 -12 against the legislation."

Anti-tax Republicans refuse to support anti-tax Republicans.

Democratic gains in the General Assembly are looking better every day.



Reminds me of Jack London's writings (Catzmaw - 8/15/2007 8:48:24 AM)
In White Fang, whenever a sled dog was injured in a fight all his sled mates would turn on and devour him.