Jeff Flake has become the national leader on Earmark Reform. Congressional Republicans could have gained some credibility on the issue if they had put him on the Appropriations Committee, but they rejected that option. Call Thomas has an interesting column on the story.
The best opportunity Republicans had at their retreat to prove they see the light on spending was to name the tireless anti-pork crusader Rep. Jeff Flake of Arizona to the powerful Appropriations Committee. This would have been the equivalent of placing a preacher at the entrance to a house of ill repute, or a member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union on an alcohol beverage and control board. The analogies are apt because too many politicians are drunk on power and behave like harlots with other people's money.
Flake, who was passed over for the post, would be the conscience of the committee, which has been devoid of a moral compass no matter which party controls the House. He sends out news releases spotlighting the "Egregious Earmark of the Week." Last week's was $1.12 million for potato research, which he characterized as "a waste of money no matter how you spell it."
In a phone call from the retreat, Flake told me his colleagues rejected an earmark moratorium after hearing pleas from some members that earmarks were the only way they can get re-elected. (Whatever happened to ideas?) He said Republicans called on Democrats to act first and that by doing so they missed an opportunity to stand on principle and win political points.
"We'll get there" on earmark restraint, Flake predicted, but not until after more Republicans are indicted and "an anti-earmark crusader like John McCain or Mitt Romney is nominated and elected president."
Damn! I'm very disappointed to see that, though I do like Bob Robb's idea (scroll to the last three paragraphs).
http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/RobertRobb/15589
From the first sentence of the article Greg linked to:
"The aptly named Republican 'retreat' at the ritzy Greenbrier resort in West Virginia should have included Democrats because Republicans are behaving just like them."
Absolutely.
Posted by: JeffStrain | January 31, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Though I am as far Left as one can get and generally love to hate all Republicans, I both like and respect Jeff Flake. I'd even vote for him.
Posted by: Avenged Savant | January 31, 2008 at 07:39 PM
Earmarks amount to around .5% of federal spending. When Flake starts going after the huge pork barrel that is the Department of Defense, then I might be impressed.
Posted by: todd | February 01, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Jeff Flake for President! The only candidate who would change more than the sheets in the White House in Washington.
Posted by: Mesa Republican George | February 01, 2008 at 01:13 PM
He's not out yet!
http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/016902.php
Posted by: JeffStrain | February 07, 2008 at 08:19 PM