During a caucus meeting Friday, Democratic senators said they, too, had privately voiced strong reservations about the tax plan to Patton. Shaughnessy said Democrats didn't make their objections public out of deference to the Demo-cratic governor. Democratic Whip Sen. Marshall Long, D-Shelbyville, said Republicans are trying to make political hay out of the tax plan. Although Patton has withdrawn most of his plan for now, the tax issue will linger. Republicans hold the Senate majority by only two seats, and 19 of the 38 seats are up for grabs in November's election.
Taxes promise to be a big talking point for both sides.
Stumbo said he thinks Patton may call a special legislative session this year to consider the tax changes he dropped, such as raising the gasoline tax. A special session appears even more likely if Democrats regain control of the Senate from Republicans. Patton wouldn't comment on the possibility of a special session. After a lengthy debate on the House floor last Thursday about a bill dealing with insurance coverage of birth control pills, Rep. Eleanor Jordan, D-Louisville, got to the political point. The week's best combination of two hot legislative items may have come at a rally Wednesday in favor of House Bill 1, Rep. Greg Stumbo's proposal for refundable deposits on beverage containers.