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Gas Tax Shaping Up To Be Tough Sell In Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland lawmakers say rising gas prices and the need to tackle a tough state budget are creating mounting challenges for Gov. Martin O'Malley's gas tax proposal.

Sen. Nathaniel McFadden, when asked Friday about the temperature of interest in Annapolis for phasing in a 6 percent sales tax over three years, described it as about "25 degrees." McFadden, a Baltimore Democrat, says the idea is "that cold" at the moment.

Oil prices are now approaching last year's highs, pushing the national average to $3.65 per gallon, which is the highest ever for this time of year.

Delegate Tawanna Gaines, D-Prince George's, says while many lawmakers understand more revenue for transportation projects is needed, the proposal is going to be "a very, very tough sell."

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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