TV Ad Blames Democrats For Gas Tax Increase

A new 15-second television commercial is blaming Minnesota Democrats for raising the state gas tax. The commercial is based on the Democrat-controlled legislature's vote to pass the $6.6-Billion Transportation Spending Bill over Governor Pawlenty's veto. Brainerd lawmaker John Ward said in his opinion, the criticism was not fair. Ward said the investment is well worth it, that MnDOT would be able to push projects ahead. Ward said "I keep hearing from many constituents" saying thank you for making the "investments, for making our roads safer." The bill raises the gas tax by 8.5 cents per gallon by 2012. The first 2-cent raise happened on April 1st. The next 3.5-cents is due this fall.