fresno elections 2008

I did not offer earmarks this year. The process is broken and has been linked to corruption. While I support the Congressional authority to determine federal spending, I do not support continuing a process that has so significantly damaged the reputation of this institution.

In addition to the outright corruption associated with earmarks, the fact remains that the vast majority of earmarked dollars go to a select few in Congress. Congressional Leadership, members of the Appropriations Committee and Representatives in tough elections tend to draw the vast majority of money to their districts. There is no effort to determine the merit of projects and no objective system to provide for an orderly and fair allocation of resources. In fact, Congress has earmarked some projects that we can’t even prove exist. Earmark decisions are made in smoke filled rooms by out of touch people who have a record of making poor decisions. The process has enabled corrupt politicians to exploit their offices and is largely based on political patronage. We need transparency and accountability in the earmark process. Once we have that, I will consider making requests for my district. Until then, I will fight for reform.