DEL. John Cox (R), who represents parts of Spotsylvania, Caroline, and Hanover counties, doesn't get very good mileage in his vehicles--only about 6 mpg: He heads Cox Transportation, an Ashland firm with 165 big rigs. Yet Mr. Cox could tolerate (though he isn't actively supporting) a hike in the state's gas tax.

"Our transportation infrastructure is in disrepair," he told a Chamber of Commerce group Thursday. A fuel-tax increase, he said, would at least be "fair" and "an investment in the future"--allowing fleets like his to more efficiently deliver the nation's goods.

That's a major point--funding infrastructure is pro-business. If Mr. Cox could swallow a higher gas tax, why does it gag so many of his fellow R's who have just an SUV to fill up?