The American Spectator takes a look at how the Virginia GOP was mugged by Democrat Governor Warner. After campaigning on a "No New Taxes" pledge, Warner quickly broke his promise and started pushing for a $1 Billion tax hike. Warner's budget proposal called for a 13% spending increase, and would be the largest in Virginia history.

Rather shockingly, the GOP led Senate backed a tax hike more than double what the governor wanted. The House held out for a month by threatening to not pass a budget. But they finally folded and approved a $750 Million increase. The Senate is likely to increase that nearer to the $1 Billion the governor asked for.

The whole ordeal was a political coup for the tax and spend Democrat governor.

According to Delegate Jeff Frederick (R-Prince William County), who has consistently refused tax increases, "The House made a fundamental mistake by acknowledging -- mistakenly in my opinion -- that we need more revenue." By exchanging tactics for principles, they lost the debate.

Now, instead of addressing whether the state needs more taxes, the debate has shifted to the how big the increase will be. The House bill has gone to the Senate for approval and already Senators are saying things like "It certainly is a good start" and "It's got to be juiced up."

So with a GOP dominated House and Senate, a Democrat executive has been remarkably successful in raising taxes. Since Kerry hopes to put himself into a similar position next year by recapturing the Presidency, Warner may be on the short list of Vice Presidential candidates.