Congressman John Campbell's Blog - Green Eyeshade Blog

Monday, January 28, 2008

Posted by: John Campbell at 5:53 PM

I have been an outspoken critic of earmarks, and I frequently blog about some of the most egregious ones on this very blog, but this story by Sheryl Attkisson, from CBS Evening News perfectly articulates why earmarks are unfair and why the system must be reformed.

Attkisson highlights the relationship between Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Randy Best, founder of the “Voyager” reading program. In 2001, Sen. Landrieu earmarked $2 million of taxpayer funds to put the “Voyager reading program” in D.C. public schools.

Mr. Best, the company’s founder, soon arranged a fundraiser for Sen. Landrieu, widely viewed as the most endangered Democratic Senator up for reelection this year, which raised roughly $30,000 for Landrieu’s reelection war chest. These donations came from Best’s family, friends, and employees.

Attkisson notes that there are hundreds if not thousands of similar programs and companies out there offering the same or similar product which highlights the fact that this earmark was not competitively bid, and most earmarks are never competitively bid.

To see the whole areticle by Attkisson. Click Here

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country before party writes:	Monday, January, 28, 2008 8:28 PM
Please
link me or show me any of your past articles (during the years 2000 - 2007) dealing with your disdain for earmarks. This is the period when Republicans had control of the United States government. Because this is the period that earmarks increased tenfold. Much like immigration, it seems many people here only get fired up about policies when the other party is in power. So Mr "I have been an outspoken critic of earmarks," please link me to these articles. Then I will reevaluate this article, and consider giving you some credit. Otherwise...well, you surely understand. I'm not saying Democrats are any better when it comes to earmarks, mind you. I'm not registered as an R or a D. Earmarks are a problem, a huge one, that needs serious attention no matter which party is in the majority or the minority. And attention needs to be paid to this problem not only during election years. I'll be waiting for the links to your articles during the years mentioned showing your anger for the tenfold increase in earmarks. Thank you -America comes first, always-
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country before party writes:	Tuesday, January, 29, 2008 1:26 PM
Well Mr. Campbell
You didn't point me to any articles written by yourself about the tenfold increase in earmarks while the GOP controlled the government. I guess you weren't incensed at earmarks that increased tenfold while R's were in power, only when D's get in power. That to me is a hypocritical, hyper-partisan type of BS that is ruining this country. People have to base their votes on reasons meg lays out, not by party affiliation. Earmarks are a huge problem, no matter who is in power. But we only hear about the problem when the "other side" is in the majority. What a crock. -America comes first, always-
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chuck writes:	Tuesday, January, 29, 2008 3:29 PM
country before party
What are you smoking because you obviously have been asleep when the REPS lost power because of WHAT? OVER SPENDING DUMB ARSE. They are both crazy with spending. But to state that rose ten-fold when REPS wher in charge, by the way do you know who taught REPS about Overspending. Come on you can answer that I hope>>>LIBS, LIBS,LIBS before the REPS got control of Congress who the Hell you think did exactly what you are stating. Let me give you a clue. 40 YEARS OF CONTROL OF CONGRESS. LIBS LIBS LIBS. the Reps learn from the best on how to do PORK SPENDING. That is what got their ARSES thrown out of power in 06.
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Revolution Calling writes:	Tuesday, January, 29, 2008 11:23 PM
Our country/govt. is broken.
The state of our "representation" in govt. is truly sickening. How is it possible that, in the name of "stimulus", the current congressional hacks have the audacity to steal hard earned money from tax paying, law abiding citizens, and transfer that money to non tax paying and even some illegal citizens? I find it as offensive an act that I can imagine, and truly feel it borders on criminal. I refuse to send another dime to the greedy bastards, and want all of them prosecuted on some type of racketeering charge. For most to stand and clap when the ridiculous, non principled president derides them on earmarks is comical. We are getting ripped off blind by illegal representation; where is the outrage????
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About John Campbell

John Campbell is a member of the House Financial Services Committee, and has taken a leadership role in addressing the country's top economic issues. Campbell serves as a member of the Joint Economic Committee, and House Committee on the Budget. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from UCLA and a Master's Degree in Taxation from USC.