GOP Governors Hurt Party By Raising Taxes
Analysts say efforts by some Republican governors to raise taxes - including, notably, Gov. Don Sundquist's four-year failed effort to enact an unconstitutional state income tax, followed by his embrace of a billion-dollar sales tax increase that was the largest tax increase in the state's history - will hurt the GOP politically with voters.

Analysts warn that tax increases will hurt politically, especially for Republicans, as well as economically. "Republicans can talk all they want about it being a user fee or a temporary measure or a disagreeable, but necessary step," said Pete Sepp, National Tax Foundation spokesman. "That's not going to wash with voters who elect Republicans with the expectation that they will at least hold the line on taxes if not cut them."

It's an effort to "be popular with everyone" that won't succeed, said Sepp. "They want to be the education governor, or the transportation governor, or the compassionate governor" by pandering to special interests, he said. But such efforts will "[fail] to earn the respect of the interest groups pressing them to do it, because it's never enough."

But two GOP governors get points for cutting taxes rather than raising them. Colorado Gov. Bill Owens and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. Owens and Bush - sure would make a nice ticket in 2008.