Kaine Takes GOP to Task For Blocking Tax Increase

"For the third time in six years," its report says, "a protracted budget stalemate in 2006 pressed the General Assembly into an extended overtime-legislative session. This pattern of tardiness reflects poorly on Virginia, adds to the cost of state government and disrupts localities, school boards, public safety and business operations."

The group, which rates lawmakers on a scale of one to 100, universally lowered the scores for all 140 lawmakers by 15 points this year -- 10 points for failing to adopt transportation revenue increases and five points for being unable to get a budget approved on time.

"No process could be less business-like than this political gridlock," the report said.

Business leaders said they were hopeful that the lower ratings would spur lawmakers to work harder toward a solution in the coming years.

"Virginia FREE has stood strong over the past several years holding to the business community priorities," said Mike Carlin, a former chairman of the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce.

The group has clashed in recent years with Howell and other House Republican leaders. In 2004, the group took House GOP leaders to task for opposing tax increases proposed by then-Gov. Mark R. Warner (D). The ratings for lawmakers who opposed the tax increases went down precipitously.

That angered Howell, who urged members not to participate with the group in future ratings. Howell relented, but conservative lawmakers are still highly critical of the group, which they have accused of being too eager to raise taxes.

Several lawmakers who attended a luncheon hosted by the group said they were chastened by the lower-than-usual ratings.

"It's a recognition that we failed on the most important challenge facing the commonwealth," said Del. Brian J. Moran (D-Alexandria). "It's clear that the House Republican leadership has failed to address the issue."

Del. Thomas Davis Rust (R-Fairfax), who has pressed unsuccessfully for more funding for roads, said that "if that influenced the ratings, I think it should."