Senate Republicans were flabbergasted today after Gov. Bill Ritter said he remains unsure how he will fund Colorado's most critical transportation needs--weeks into the 2008 legislative session and almost a year after he set up a panel to study the issue.

Republicans also voiced concern over which way the governor said he was leaning--toward a big hike in vehicle registration fees--to help pay for a $500 million, "Fix it Now" short list of transportation projects. That funding option would represent an end-run on voters because fee increases don't have to go onto the ballot. 

"The governor was unbelievable. Instead  of a practical solution, all he wants to do is talk some more," said Senate GOP leader Andy McElhany, of Colorado Springs. "And all he wants to talk about is another de facto tax imposed on the people of this state."

Added McElhany, "If the governor wants to talk, let's put any revenue increase, including his car tax, on the ballot so voters can be part of the conversation."