The only realistic way for a future governor to get a gas tax or similar increase through the legislature is if they actually run on it and win. We should do lots of things and I'll figure out how pay for them later does not lay the foundation for actually getting anything done.
More generally there was a window, after George Bush fucked everything up, for Dems to point out that there are things government does such as fixing bridges that require a bit of money, and not have an immediate taxpayer revolt. I worry that time is gone, but maybe there's still an opportunity for charismatic politicians to make the case.
