Hoyer Is Proof of Earmarks' Endurance: Md. Democrat's Campaign Donors Among Grantees

[FreeStateDemocrat]

Source: Washington Post - front page.

By Mary Beth Sheridan
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, December 10, 2007; Page A01

Even as House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer has joined in steps to clean up pork-barrel spending, the Maryland congressman has tucked $96 million worth of pet projects into next year's federal budget, including $450,000 for a campaign donor's foundation.

Hoyer (D) is one of the top 10 earmarkers in the House for 2008, based on budget requests in bills so far, according to Taxpayers for Common Sense, an independent watchdog group.

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Earmarks are spending items inserted into bills to benefit designated companies or projects, often in the sponsoring lawmaker's district. They make up a small percentage of the federal budget. But because the grants often aren't subject to competitive bidding or much scrutiny, they can go to projects that are wasteful or reward campaign contributors, watchdog groups say.

Congressional leaders obtain a disproportionate share of approved earmarks, showing "these decisions are based on political muscle rather than project merit," said Ryan Alexander, president of Taxpayers for Common Sense.



Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/09/AR2007120901640.html

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We don't need no stinkin' hypocrites in our party's leadership. Purge his stinkin’ corporate whore ass.

[mikelgb]

1. im a hoyer hater

he's no dem

[rockybelt]

2. Hoyer

is an ass bag. He is a repulsive in dems clothing is all that bastard is.

[sjdnb]

3. I'm starting to distrust the whole lot of the 'leadership'

The caving on Iraq with back room dealings, the fact that they knew about the torture tapes and their planned destruction, the gutless retreat during the Kucinich Impeachment voting process and earlier censure resolution ... I'm still reserving my opinion of Harman until her letter is declassified by the CIA.

At this point, the only ones I really trust (off the top of my head) are Feingold, Kucinich, Gore, Kerry, Louise Slaughter, and Kennedy (to a, somewhat, lesser degree).

And, none of them are running for President.

[bemildred]

4. Hey, but there was no quid pro quo.

Just honest statesmanship.
:sarcasm: