I've made my share of stupid mistakes

but come on senator, suspending the gas tax is about the WORST thing you can do right now. First of all, it's one of the very few taxes that actually make sense because it actually goes to a directly related recipient (the highway system). Second of all, lose the advantages that alternative fuels bring by leveling the playing field. In effect you are making us more dependent on oil, not making it less expensive. Third, you know you told all the economists to go screw themselves when they pointed out that gas taxes should be HIGHER not LOWER. This is a political decision to focus on people who suddenly feel poor because of a subject that's taboo for you - housing market regulations and in particular the Alt A 100% financing mechanism. Suddenly you decide that things will be better if you stop paving the roads to their jobs (if they have them) while they wait for the houses to be foreclosed or move into rentals?

Bad long term strategy. Foolish pandering to the poor to get elected.

I am very disappointed in your decision.