Kline Flip-Flops on Earmarks
One of the few issues on which I have agreed with John Kline is his call for greater transparency in earmarks --- special provisions inserted in appropriations bills to fund pet projects for various legislators in their home districts. On his congressional web page, Kline cites at least two pieces of earmark reform legislation he has co-sponsored. And as recently as December 9 of last year, Rob Hotakainen of the Star Tribune wrote that Kline "said he will support a crackdown on earmarks for pet projects . . . ."
For some reason, none of that seems to matter now. On Friday, Kline was one of 152 legislators --- all Republicans --- who voted against the Democrats earmark reform legislation (Michelle Bachmann was another --- birds of a feather).
Why the change of heart, congressman? Could it possibly be that you oppose the Democrats' bill because it's more rigorous than anything the Republicans proposed --- but failed to enact?
For some reason, none of that seems to matter now. On Friday, Kline was one of 152 legislators --- all Republicans --- who voted against the Democrats earmark reform legislation (Michelle Bachmann was another --- birds of a feather).
Why the change of heart, congressman? Could it possibly be that you oppose the Democrats' bill because it's more rigorous than anything the Republicans proposed --- but failed to enact?
posted by David Bailey | 7:15 PM
2 Comments:
Great post!
You beat me to the bunch again. I'll have a piece on mnpACT about this tomorrow morning.
Once again, Bachmann and Kline have demonstrated they’ll say one thing and do another without compunction. They count on voters listening to their campaign drivel rather than paying attention to their records. In the Karl Rove tradition, they think their constituents are stupid, easily manipulated by flashy commercials, slick direct mail pieces and clever sound bytes.
Ethics reform is a top priority for both houses of Congress this year. If leaders wanted to really help voters, they’d implement “TRUTH-GO” legislation requiring lawmakers to show how their promises mesh with reality.
If their record is any indication, Bachmann and Kline would probably support ethical behavior while here in Minnesota before heading back to Washington and voting against it.
Kline also thinks he's smarter than the 9/11 Commission. Go figure.
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