Senators Clinton and McCain have both attacked Sen. Obama for refusing to support a temporary 18 cent-per-gallon tax "holiday." While residents of Indiana and North Carolina are rightly concerned about gas prices, the Clinton-McCain tax holiday would do far more harm than good. That's why most Economists and Governors oppose it, including Gov. Jon Corzine of New Jersey, a Clinton supporter.
The gas tax holiday would rob the states of needed revenue at a time when most are facing budget shortfalls. More importantly, it could cost thousands of American jobs, particularly in construction, and forestall critical investments in infrastructure -- investments that may well prevent another major bridge from collapsing and ultimately save lives.
(Crossposted from Our Republic)
For these and other reasons, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and the Democratic leadership in Congress are right to oppose this reckless "holiday." It may not be the politically expedient to do, but it is surely the right thing. Clinton and McCain ought to be ashamed of themselves.