Earmarks by Presidential candidates

[cannon_fodder]

Requested earmarks by the three presidential candidates, requested for the 2009 budget.

Current record - Mississippi Senator Thad Cochran at $830 million in 2007.

McCain - $0 requests this year or for 2009.  Little or none over the last term, reported earmarks.

Obama - $0 for 2009.  Averaged just shy of $240mil the three years prior and reported.

Clinton - $2,300,000,000.00 requested for 2009 (triple the record), Average about $350,000,000 per year, does not report earmarks.

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/clinton-2.3b-in-earmarks-2008-04-28.html
- - -

Why would you do that while running for office?  Request the most earmarks in history.  It just doesn't make much sense to me.  When I saw the headline I thought it would be a non-story since no one seeks massive ear marks if they are running for president...

[FOTD]

+1

But what did McCain do prior to 2007? Is he consistent on this issue?

http://thinkprogress.org/2008/04/21/mccain-ferry-earmark/

and

http://www.democrats.org/a/2008/04/mccain_myth_bus_50.php

McFlipper? McPorky?
McFlinstone?

[Gaspar]

quote:Originally posted by cannon_fodder

Requested earmarks by the three presidential candidates, requested for the 2009 budget.

Current record - Mississippi Senator Thad Cochran at $830 million in 2007.

McCain - $0 requests this year or for 2009.  Little or none over the last term, reported earmarks.

Obama - $0 for 2009.  Averaged just shy of $240mil the three years prior and reported.

Clinton - $2,300,000,000.00 requested for 2009 (triple the record), Average about $350,000,000 per year, does not report earmarks.

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/clinton-2.3b-in-earmarks-2008-04-28.html
- - -

Why would you do that while running for office?  Request the most earmarks in history.  It just doesn't make much sense to me.  When I saw the headline I thought it would be a non-story since no one seeks massive ear marks if they are running for president...

Yeah I've noticed a huge Democratic spin campaign to make the term "Earmark" a positive thing.  It's bizarre, but perhaps it's working.

[cannon_fodder]

I guess if those are the two best examples, I'd have to say he is consistent on earmarks.

quote:But what did McCain do prior to 2007? Is he consistent on this issue?

http://thinkprogress.org/2008/04/21/mccain-ferry-earmark/

and

http://www.democrats.org/a/2008/04/mccain_myth_bus_50.php

Riding a ferry in Alabama that at one time received earmark funding and speaking at an airport that had earmark funding (in Florida) don't really show a ton of support for federal earmarks.  Neither does a willingness to aid Israel.

Did you read those articles?

One boldly states that he used a ferry and an airport that other Senators on the other side of the country received earmarks for and the other is about aid to Israel.  Nothing about him requesting nor receiving earmarks.  

Please let me know if I'm reading something wrong, otherwise I suggest a little more research, I don't know if he was consistent beyond what the article says - but based on your comment I'll assume so.  You're even worse today than usual.  That has nothing to do with the topic at hand.  I'll assume you didn't read the articles you posted.

[FOTD]

Yes. But I posted the articles to remind the readers here that McCain't all there on pork issues and writing bills. I gave you a +1 on your initial comment. Fast food temperment at work today, CF [}:)]...?

Just yesterday it was reported that McFlintstone slipped a clause into the voting laws allowing for the use of private family planes in campaigns. So don't give me the argument that while he says one thing on entitlements he does not seek self interest over solving bigger issues. He's not known as a hot headed maverick for nuttin'. Most his erruptions occur over fights for terms and conditions of a bill and not just dollars. Some past erruptions happended while he had a wife on the side....