Bill Graham, the NC GOP’s new poster boy (and, apparently, John Edwards wannabe) has jumped on the 2.8 cent increase in the state gas tax. He wants to ride it to statewide office.
Democrats in the legislature are so nervous they created a special committee to look into “the state’s largest gas tax increase in 16 years.” Thereby giving Mr. Graham exactly the publicity he sought.
One problem, according to The News & Observer’s account of the hearing:
“Several oil industry representatives were asked whether consumers would benefit if the recent tax increase were repealed.
“Gary Harris, executive vice president of the N.C. Petroleum Marketers Association, said there is no guarantee prices at the pump would decrease 2.8 cents if the tax hike is repealed.”
Let’s get this straight. The gas tax went up 2.8 cents a gallon. The price of gas went up 15 cents. The oil companies say the price may stay up – even if the tax goes down.
And Mr. Graham is attacking the tax? What about the oil companies?
Well, that apparently would violate his Republican principles.
As the Bible says, “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?”