What is the Definition of Political Courage?

From a Journal Sentinel editorial today regarding transportation funding:

What if legislators decide to raise the gasoline tax next year all on their own? What if there is an increase in the vehicle registration fees of, say, $10? Wouldn't doing all of those things lessen the "crisis" that Busalacchi warned against last week?

Of course they would. The question is whether the governor and the Legislature will have the courage to do what needs to be done, especially in terms of road-building. There is good reason to doubt they have that courage.

This has long been a pet peeve of mine.

Why is it 'courageous' to decide to raise other people's taxes?

Isn't it courageous to find solutions that don't require more tax dollars?

Or, do the JS editorial board members simply define courage as defying the wishes of ones constituents?