Obama Publicly Lists His Earmarks Today. Challenges other candidates

[illinoisprogressive]

On the eve of his speech on good government in New Hampshire, Obama today has put up a list on his Senate Web site of all the proposed earmarks (more than a hundred by our count) he has requested for this year's appropriations as a way to inject more transparency in government. As the Chicago Tribune wrote earlier this morning, Obama is the first presidential candidate to do this.

Perhaps not surprisingly, Obama's campaign is now challenging the other presidential candidates to also list their earmarks. "As a matter of transparency and good government, Obama thinks it's important that voters know who their candidates are, what their sources of income are, and whether they have any potential conflicts," spokesman Bill Burton says. "We would hope that other candidates follow suit in disclosing their earmarks as well."

This isn't the first time that earmark challenges have come up in the presidential contest. Last week, McCain held a press conference to lambaste Hillary Clinton for larding a defense appropriations bill with pork. "We can't do this earmarking and pork-barreling if we ever are going to be careful and serious stewards of the taxpayers' dollars," McCain said.

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/

[sandnsea]

1. Link to the list

Maybe people will realize these earmarks are not the monsters they've been made out to be. I just grabbed the first five, nothing horrifying. Most of the rest of the list is the same.

http://obama.senate.gov/press/070621-obama_announces_3/

Adler Planetarium, to support replacement of its projector and related equipment, $3,000,000
One of its most popular attractions and teaching tools at the Adler Planetarium is the Sky Theater. The projection equipment in this theater is 40 years old, and is no longer supported with parts or service by the manufacturer. It has begun to fail, leaving the theater dark and groups of school students and other interested museum-goers without this very valuable and exciting learning experience.

AIDSCARE, Inc., for general operating support, $750,000
AIDSCARE is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization that provides housing and care for homeless children, families and adults living with advanced HIV/AIDS in the Chicago Area.

AIDSCARE, Inc., for completion of the North Lawndale Campus, $2,000,000
Upon its completion, the North Lawndale campus will offer 66 units of service-enriched housing for low-income and homeless individuals and families impacted by HIV/AIDS; an onsite Health Facility and Wellness Center for residents and other members of the community; and an 8,693-square-foot multi-purpose community center.

Aledo, IL, to support its replacement of two aging water towers, $750,000
Two aging 150,000-gallon water towers require replacement. The towers' water pressure is chronically low, and its supply is unreliable. Average daily use for the towers is 420,000 gallons.

American Red Cross of Illinois, for emergency preparedness, $5,000,000
Funding will assist in providing 29 chapters and 3 blood service regions of the American Red Cross with the resources to be able to deliver mass care services in a timely matter in the event of a large-scale disaster. Funding will be used for equipment such as backup generators, shelter trailers, shelter supplies, stockpile cots, heater meals, response vehicles, and communications devices. This equipment will be strategically placed throughout the state, and will allow the Red Cross to serve requests by hospitals and trauma requests immediately and up to 72 hours.

[illinoisprogressive]

2. I thought the article had the list already on there. sorry and thanks for posting it.

I think it is a brave thing to post your list of earmarks for everyone to see. I think the presidential candidates should answer his challenge and post theirs as well. Being transparent can put to rest certain assumptions about someone.
I think this is great

[rinsd]

3. This is excellent.

I hope the other Dem candidates follow him on this and even more that this becomes standard for camapigns for Federal office.

[Kagemusha]

4. I wish it was all public, not just for Obama or even candidates

That was a major promise of the Democrats when they campaigned for Congress. A major hope that has so far been dashed

[illinoisprogressive]

5. I agree. All should have to make theirs public

[ProgressiveAmPatriot]

10. Senate passed a bill to this affect, now the House needs to pass it as well n/t

[NYCGirl]

6. That's really a fascinating list! NT

[mckeown1128]

7. A politician not afraid of his record.... Gobama!!!!

This is great...

:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:


I am editing to say that it almost looks like the clapping sprites are saying "Gobama"

[Stop Cornyn]

8. Thanks for posting this.

[Ethelk2044]

9. This is Great. I would like for all of Congress to post their earmarks