Senate Democrats Fail to Mention Kaine's Role in Fees

Senate Democrats apparently have selective memory.

On Saturday, the Democratic caucus sent out a statement heralding its role in repealing the unpopular abusive driving fees. The statement noted that House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) and then Senate Majority Leader Walter A. Stosch (R-Henrico) stood together in July to defend the fees.

"Meanwhile, Democratic Senators were mounting efforts to repeal the legislation," the statement said.

But the statement failed to mention that Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) - who bolstered public opposition to the driving fee law by excluding out-of-state drivers - also stood with Howell and Stosch at that press conference. In fact, Kaine's role at the event was far more influential than the one played by Stosch.

Kaine, who has since changed his position, declared at the time the fees "affect poor drivers, not poor people."