WEEK'S END
RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH, Saturday, June 21, 2008
On Monday the General Assembly convenes its special session regarding transportation. Our editorial tomorrow reiterates our take on the question. A comprehensive plan passed by the legislature and signed by the governor would surprise us and many others. Perhaps only unrepentant optimists expect anything more than patchwork.
The best prediction regarding the session comes from Charlie Davis , a lobbyist well-versed in the mores of Capitol Square . The keeper (and maker) of Virginia's political lore told our friends at The Washington Post he expected: "At the end of the day, maybe putting a 'lockbox' on transportation funds, maybe a local taxing authority, but that is it. Give Kaine credit for pushing something. The Republicans can be tagged as obstructionists, but . . . Kaine came back with almost the identical plan that was shot down last year, so which is more foolhardy? But the session will provide ample opportunity for a lot of social interaction to discuss the presidential campaign and enjoy some wonderful cuisine at the Capitol snack bar."