"Earmark Nation" article Real Clear Politics

[RoninLB]

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/03/earmark_nation.html


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Washington Republicans know he's their best shot at retaining the White House. Yet many remain ambivalent about him -- not because they question his conservatism, but out of resentment that he may get in the way of their earmarks.

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They shouldn't count on Mr. McCain cutting them slack. He's always reveled in publicly humiliating pork-barrelers, including those in his party, and seems gleeful at the prospect of using his new podium to continue his crusade. He has no reason to back down now. Unorthodox as he's been on some conservative issues, on earmarks Mr. McCain has the full backing of an American public.

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Republicans have a choice. They can unite behind the feisty Mr. McCain, and take a position that is true to their small-government principles, popular with the public and a smart political move. Or they can hurt themselves, and possibly their nominee, by sticking with the lard.






................... and personally I'm an advocate of eliminating earmarks 100%

[TheMentat]

great article...

[hardflex]

Bill Moyers did a spot on Earmarks about 2 weeks ago that show how crooked the whole process really is. Then when you see how much money is going to candidates (for what reasons!!!) it sure shows our corruption. If I recall, it's 15 Billion in Earmarks last year, less than 1% of the total budget but it's damning to the whole system. I agree, they should be eliminated 100%

if you want to see it, it's here....

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/02222008/watch.html