Tim Kaine gets it

Meaning that he understands that driving imposes external costs on society. Gov. Tim Kaine (D-VA) is calling for a hike in gas taxes to cover a transportation/infrastructure budget shortfall. Not a perfect incentive structure — I’d prefer real-time road usage charges — but it’s not a perfect world. At any rate it’s a gutsy call to make, though there is a one-term limit on VA governors, so what’s at stake is his approval rating and the party’s image in state government. I mean, we’re living in a high oil price world, on the cusp of summer driving season, and close to (if not already in) a recession. Kaine is providing a breath of fresh air in the context of the recent gas tax pandering by Clinton and McCain.