News analysis: In California, the cost of driving has always been a political hot potato

SACRAMENTO — Few California cultural touchstones have had more staying power over the years than the state's affinity for cars and its aversion to taxes.

Both tap into what was long a powerful sales pitch about the good life in the Golden State, where the open road that lies ahead is always better with a little spending cash for a few stops along the way.

Clashes between the two desires can even reshape the political fortunes of the state's elected leaders. It's happened before and, in light of the current wrangling over ideas for handing out state tax dollars to cover drivers' fuel costs, could happen again.

On Thursday, a group of legislative