"The Republican Party seized control of state government in the late 1990s, promising to end the annual tax on cars, support business and reduce government spending. Now, Senate Republicans are pushing a tax increase that dwarfs one offered by the Democratic governor, Mark R. Warner. The House GOP is targeting business, insisting they pay their fair share." -- The Washington Post, on the Virginia Senate Republican's proposal to increase taxes by $3.6 Billion. The Democrat Governor had only asked for $1 Billion.

Actually, the Republican Party didn't seize control, they were voted in democratically by conservative Virginians lured by the promise of lower taxes and smaller government. The GOP has, however, proved that they are just like Democrats, and are willing to sell their soul for votes in the next election cycle. Considering they got most of the votes in the last election cycle, why they are pandering to the Democrat constituency is anyone's guess. But the result is that conservatives may be left without a conservative candidate. (Who say's primary elections aren't important?)

Oh, and businesses don't pay taxes. They collect them. Taxes are paid by either the shareholders, employees, or customers.