LANSING, MI (AP)-- Top Michigan Republicans have unsuccessfully sought state gasoline tax increases to improve Michigan's roads.
But their standard-bearer for U.S. Senate is calling for a big cut in the federal gas tax.
Terri Lynn Land says her proposal to gradually reduce the 18-cents-a-gallon tax to 4 cents would "put Michigan first" by empowering the state with more say over how to maintain its transportation infrastructure. Yet Land's plan is being doubted in part because of state lawmakers' failure to raise more money for road and bridge upkeep.
U.S. Representative Gary Peters, Land's Democratic opponent, calls it "irresponsible" and a "far right-wing idea" that might leave Michigan with $1 billion less.