Republicans say they're going cold turkey on pork projects

[liberal N proud]

:rofl:

For years, Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-Redlands) has proudly delivered a cornucopia of federal dollars to the folks back home -- more than $82 million this year alone, including money for road improvements and medical research.

But he and nearly all of his House Republican colleagues say they are swearing off such "earmarks" this year to demonstrate fiscal responsibility.

The change of heart has set up an election-year argument over who is best serving their constituents -- Republicans who say lean times demand belt-tightening, or Democrats who continue to seek special funding for local projects such as buying parkland in the Santa Monica Mountains or offering healthier food in Chicago schools.

"This is an important step for reining in out-of-control government spending and changing the culture of Washington," said Republican Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon of Santa Clarita.

<snip>

In Lewis' district, Hesperia City Manager Mike Podegracz said that some people might see the parties' different earmark policies as creating "some degree of unfairness that some parts of the state would be receiving the funds and other parts wouldn't, even though there is a need throughout the state."

"If there are, indeed, earmarks, the Republican Party should definitely be in there getting a share for their districts," added Pat Gilbreath, mayor of Redlands, which is in Lewis' district.

Among the sharpest critics of the House GOP's policy are Senate Republicans who say it would shift spending decisions to the executive branch.

<snip>

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-earmarks12-2010apr12,0,5745484.story


They SAY they are going cold turkey :rofl:

[DFW]

1. In a way, they have already accomplished their goal:

Most of them are cold-hearted, and most of them are turkeys.

Mission accomplished.