A Bumpy Ride on Transportation

Del. Clarke N. Hogan (R-Charlotte): "I think it is too early to predict. I think if you were betting, I don't see how next week we can move from where we are, which is nowhere, to a finish line. But I don't see any reason why this special session will end. It may go on several months or it may lead to some consensus that we may not work out until January. It is going to take some time to work out, so it is time to be patient."

Former state senator Martin E. Williams, a moderate Republican from Newport News: "I wouldn't predict anything monumental. . . . You just can't tax yourself out this problem. I think we have dug such a big hole with transportation we will never be able to fix it. We need a whole new vision, something very different, such as making people telecommute one day a week. We should have done something on transportation six or seven years ago."

Sen. Charles J. Colgan (D-Prince William), chairman of the Finance Committee: "It doesn't look like any bill will make it all the way through. The Senate bill may just pass with 21 votes from Democrats. I hope we can get some Republicans, but right now it doesn't look too optimistic to me."

Sen. Ken Cuccinelli II (R-Fairfax): "Very little is going to happen. We are too fractured. There is a strong and growing sense that taxes are a horrific idea as we deal with what feels like a recession and the natural anti-tax sentiment that a lot of us have, but I understand a lot of Democrats feel differently. I am afraid that in sort of a Democratic temper tantrum, they just don't consider anything else."

Saslaw: "It does not appear to be heading in the right direction at this time. That is all I want to say. You can't do this for free."

Bob Chase, executive director of the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance: "To survive in the transportation arena, one must be an optimist. New regional and statewide funding is supported by a majority of legislators in each body. If every legislator is given the opportunity to vote on the floor, the General Assembly will enact or lay the groundwork to enact such funding next week."

Charlie Davis, a lobbyist in Richmond since the early 1980s: "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 for 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."