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Much of the plan relies on wildly optimistic assumptions, brazen exaggerations, gauzy projections and far-off scenarios: budget surpluses and revenue growth that may not materialize; interstate tolls that the federal government may not approve; royalties from offshore oil and gas wells that may not be drilled; borrowing that the state may not be able to afford anytime soon. Lump all that in a file called "Don't Hold Your Breath."
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On July 21, I stood on a parking deck overlooking Interstate 66 in Arlington and outlined my 19-page plan. It consists of 12 separate funding mechanisms that will get long-needed projects underway and provide $1.4 billion annually in new revenue for transportation. We will widen I-66 inside and outside the Beltway, get HOT lanes built on Interstates 95 and 395 and expand Metro to Dulles International Airport. And we will pass legislation to keep a portion of sales tax revenue from Northern Virginia in Northern Virginia for transportation. This region sends a lot to Richmond. It doesn't get enough back.
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the editorial board characterized the candidate's statement as meaning Mr. Deeds "unequivocally committed himself to support higher taxes to rescue the state's sclerotic road system."
The approach has been criticized in light of the state's economic woes.
Former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder, a popular Democrat in the state, has rejected White House pressure to endorse Mr. Deeds, citing the candidate's willingness to raise taxes as the overwhelming reason.
"That doesn't show leadership and responsibility to me," said Mr. Wilder, who is not endorsing either candidate.
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