Maryland lawmakers predict gas tax hike will be tough sell

While Maryland legislative leaders say they are painfully aware of the need for additional transportation money, they didn't sound very confident on Friday during a preview of the upcoming session that there will be enough support in the Legislature to produce a revenue package of the magnitude that is needed.

Sen. Edward Kasemeyer, who chairs the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, told participants at the Maryland Association of Counties winter meeting that tough votes on tax increases in recent years have worn out lawmakers on that idea.

"These people are fatigued," said ...