House Republicans have a chance to show theyre listening to the American people. The House Republican Conference recently announced they would not request earmarks in the looming feeding frenzy that is appropriations season. The special projects are a perennial public relations disaster for both parties, as transparency advocates uncover lawmaker-directed taxpayer funds for catfish genome research, tea pot museums and the infamous Bridge to Nowhere.
There are myriad excuses proffered by those who enjoy shuttling cash between Washington and a much-needed sewer project or popular bike trail expansion. However, the American people are tired of excuses and they simply want the profligate spending to stop. The party that embracesand I mean really embracesa rejection of politics as usual is poised to earn voters trust and make significant electoral gains. Lets take a few of these earmarking excuses to task.