INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Two members of Indiana’s best political team on Friday said Gov. Mike Braun was likely within his rights to further extend Indiana’s gas tax holiday, though they disagree on the optics.

Braun for weeks said he would not be able to extend his suspension of Indiana’s gas tax beyond Aug. 6 due to limits on for how long he can declare an energy emergency. Then, on Wednesday, he reversed course and extended it again. This time, he cited the war in Ukraine and wildfires in Canada’s oil-rich province of Alberta rather than the war with Iran. This allowed him to reset the clock on his proclamantion. Republican strategist and All INdiana Politics contributor Chaka Coleman said Braun’s actions show he is maintaining his focus on affordability issues. She noted the Braun administration has begun reimbursing local governments for lost gas tax revenue.

“There are many, many different reasons why the governor would suspend the gas tax so I think that focusing in on the fact that he did it and that he is listening and leading is more important than the why,” she said.

Some Democratic state lawmakers have questioned whether the governor has exceeded his authority. Democratic strategist Lindsay Haake said she wasn’t sure about that but she hopes the governor keeps the legislature involved in any gas tax discussions.

“I seriously hope that Gov. Braun has included his legislative leadership on this conversation and I specifically as we’re dealing with revenue streams that affect Indiana taxpayers and also affect our local road decisions as well and that’s important to make sure we’re including everyone,” she said.

All INdiana Politics airs at 9:30 a.m. Sunday on WISH-TV.