The Three Little Pigs: Moratorium on Pork
Obama and Clinton were forced to join McCain on this:
Obama joined with other lawmakers last year to obtain almost $100 million worth of earmarks for Illinois. Clinton worked with others to win $342 million in pet projects for New York and Pelosi obtained $94 million for California.
“We can no longer accept a process that doles out earmarks based on a member of Congress’ seniority, rather than the merit of the project,” Obama said in a statement. “We can no longer accept an earmarks process that has become so complicated to navigate that a municipality or non-profit group has to hire high-priced D.C. lobbyists to do it.”
McCain, the Republican presidential nominee-in-waiting, has fought ” and lost ” many battles over earmarks before, but his new status has longtime rivals in his own party rethinking their positions.
The moves by Clinton and Obama have also put Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and other Democrats in a quandary. Reid issued a statement early Monday reiterating his support for Congress’ right to direct money back home for roads and other projects.
McCain is among only six members of the Senate who don’t ask for pet projects. Obama does, though his requests are generally modest when compared to more senior senators like Illinois colleague Dick Durbin, a fellow Democrat.
