Government

McConnell Flips: Top GOP Sen Will Now Support Earmarks Ban

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a major victory for tea party activists, the top Republican in the Senate on Monday reversed course and endorsed a moratorium on pork-barrel projects known as “earmarks.”

Earmarking is the longtime Washington practice in which lawmakers insert money for home-state projects like road and bridge work into spending bills.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said he’s heeding the message that voters sent in midterm elections that swept Democrats from power in the House. He says he can’t accuse Democrats of failing to ignore the wishes of the American people and then be guilty of the same thing.

McConnell’s move heads off a battle with conservative Republican senators who had signaled they would force a vote Tuesday on banning the practice. House GOP leaders have already endorsed a ban on earmarking.

“Nearly every day that the Senate’s been in session for the past two years, I have come down to this spot and said that Democrats are ignoring the wishes of the American people,” McConnell said in a surprise announcement in a Senate floor speech. “When it comes to earmarks, I won’t be guilty of the same thing.”

McConnell, a 26-year veteran of the Senate and longtime member of the Appropriations Committee, had been a strong defender of earmarking, even in a recent speech and a Sunday morning talk show appearance. Then, he had argued that earmarks shift too much power to President Barack Obama and wouldn’t save taxpayers any money.

“I know the good that has come from the projects I have helped support throughout my state. I don’t apologize for them,” McConnell said. “But there is simply no doubt that the abuse of this practice has caused Americans to view it as a symbol of the waste and the out-of-control spending that every Republican in Washington is determined to fight.”

Just hours before McConnell spoke, Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., promoted the ban in remarks to tea party activists at a Capitol rally.

“Tomorrow, the Republicans in the Senate are going to start answering that question: Have we learned our lesson? Are we going to go a different way?” DeMint said. “If the Senate Republicans fail to pass a ban on earmarks tomorrow, obviously they have not gotten the message.”

Comments (99)

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  • betterthantv
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 4:05pm

    Thank God! At least somebody is listening to us.

    Report Post » betterthantv  
  • outwest
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 4:04pm

    I agree with Geminisailor, we really need to be watching actions, not listening to words.
    I will applaud Senator McConnell when he supports, by his actions, the tenets of this new conservative movement. Much to look forward to!

    Report Post »  
  • Libertarian
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 4:04pm

    This is one small step for budget woes, but one large step for the political kind.

    Report Post » Libertarian  
  • TAKEITBACK
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 4:02pm

    Proof in the pudding! We are watching Mitch!!!

    Report Post » TAKEITBACK  
  • Bob PA
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 4:01pm

    It provides a great symbolic gesture to the American people and should be followed by the real thing, namely, at least one bill a week to cut spending from the excess in the budget. The liberals will scream and rail against the bills and provide sad story after sad story of children starving to death because of the mean uncaring conservatives. Yes, we will make sacrifices when the cuts come to the entitlements, namely, Medicare, Medicade, and increasing the age and means testing for Social Security. If not done, our great or maybe great great grandchildren will still be trying to pay off the debt or we go bankrupt as a country. Progressivism must be defeated every time it rears its ugly head.

    Report Post »  
  • temple62
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 4:00pm

    Both McConnell and Boehner are on probation. They need to understand the Obama’s agenda is to destroy America as we knew it in 2008; nothing has changed! The election vigilance for proper constitutional-based candidates is just beginning. The many resident RINOs, Lindsay Graham should be voted out as soon as possible and the message is we do not need compromise or more RINO’s with the new kids in Congress!

    Report Post » temple62  
  • tobywil2
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 3:59pm

    “Earmarks” are a big reason for the Washington corruption but the “Fourth Branch of Government,” the Bureaucracy has a much greater effect on our economy than the “Earmarks.”

    Rules, regulations and fines created and imposed by the Bureaucracy and enforced upon a “guilty until proven innocent” basis increase the cost of everything you buy and can prevent or delay the establishment of whole industries.

    See “21st Century Common Sense” Chapter 8 for a case study of the Bureaucracy sabotaging one of our largest industries. http://commonsense21c.com/

    Report Post » tobywil2  
  • beckwill
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 3:58pm

    Well hallelujah and praise the Lord! Maybe, just maybe the message is getting through. I’m not getting my hopes up just yet however. I have to admit though, it‘s nice to hear a politician say he’s actually LISTENING to the will of the people instead of saying we just don‘t know what’s good for us and ramming down our throats anyway.

    Report Post »  
  • welovetheUSA
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 3:57pm

    Kick the bumb out………….a tratior

    Report Post » welovetheUSA  
  • CITIZENUSA
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 3:56pm

    Well I’ll be dammed!

    Report Post »  
  • geminisailor
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 3:55pm

    Watch what he does, not what he says he’s gonna do. He’s a politician.

    Report Post »  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 3:54pm

    Let’s hope all our newly-elected will LISTEN to America. obama certainly isn’t: he just said it again: he is going to press on with HIS agenda and none of this midterms was ”about him”. .

    Report Post » BurntHills  
  • uncleherbert
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 3:54pm

    Looks like the tea party is winning some over

    Report Post » uncleherbert  
  • Marylou7
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 3:51pm

    Wouldn’t it be nice if someone REALLY got the message! Our country is in a free-fall and they are arguing about earmarks. STOP the hemmorage!

    Report Post » Marylou7  
  • CatB
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 3:50pm

    They keep saying it is a ‘small thing“ ”wouldn’t save any money” (really?)… well then it‘s a good start and they shouldn’t “miss” them, right?. TEA !

    Report Post »  
    • untameable-kate
      Posted on November 15, 2010 at 4:01pm

      Wonder if they would think it was a small thing if we stopped sending them our money?

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
    • CatB
      Posted on November 15, 2010 at 5:07pm

      LOL .. they keep putting people out of work and they will find out!

      Report Post »  
  • steadykat
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 3:50pm

    Good the GOP needs to stick to why they were voted into power. Now work on auditing the Fed. Get Ron Paul to expose the truth about who handles our $$$$. Read the book Creature from Jekyll Island and get informed.

    Report Post »  
  • Andrew_Ryan
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 3:50pm

    Saw this coming from a mile away. Mcconnells only option was to cave or get rolled over and undressed as a RINO. I do not think he is the answer, I believe he WAS part of the problem and his willingness to cave shows hes still just playing the game.

    Report Post »  
    • Rogue
      Posted on November 15, 2010 at 4:29pm

      Agreed. This RINO is on the appropriations committee, so we will soon know where his true intentions lie. Maybe he is beginning to realize the game has changed. If not, he will go the way of the rest of the RINOs that are packing up thier offices this month.

      Report Post » Rogue  
  • mjgma
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 3:49pm

    I hope this was the pan all along, a lot of emails and phone calls were made since Friday to those Senators who weren‘t on board who weren’t sure which direction to take. We need to stay on top of our representatives and let them know how we feel when it comes to key issues like this. Votes should not be for sale, they should be based on the will of the people who elected you.

    Report Post » mjgma  
  • danjapan7
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 3:49pm

    We’ll see if he holds true to his word. If he does, this *might* be one Kentucky voter who’s willing to vote him in again in 2014.

    Report Post »  
    • HillBillySam1
      Posted on November 15, 2010 at 4:26pm

      We will definitely have to wait and see. Mitch likes being an inside player and I am afraid that this just might be another one of his games. I voted for him in 2008, but it was not a very enthusiastic vote. If he goofs up this time, I pray that another Tea Party candidate will be elected from Kentucky to join Mr. Paul. I hope that Mitch understands that we are watching closely now.

      Report Post »  
  • aamador
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 3:49pm

    Hope you stay true to fiscal resposibility, smaller government and our constitution not just the symbol which pork represents. But it is a good start

    Report Post »  
    • mrclean
      Posted on November 15, 2010 at 10:25pm

      Keep them in your sights.
      Do you really these polititians will give up their gravy train so easily?

      Report Post » mrclean  
  • rfycom
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 3:48pm

    I just wish this guy would retire. If I have to see his ugly mug on television one more time, I just might have to start drinking. Wait! Heck I haven’t stopped drinking. Ok, so every time I see this guy’s ugly face on TV I will wait a full hour before I pop a top.

    It is such a slimy thing to see politicians do what ever it takes to stay in office.

    Report Post »  
    • megansmom
      Posted on November 15, 2010 at 4:26pm

      On that premise, since I lose my appetite every time I have to see or hear the prez, if I replace his face with Cathy Castor or Bill Nelson’s and the fact that Gov Crist makes me sick to my tummy, I will be a skinny,bulemic, drunk.Okay I can live with that.

      Report Post »  
  • untameable-kate
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 3:47pm

    I sure hope the message has gotten through. The wild spending spree needs to come to a halt.

    Report Post » Untameable-kate  
  • HouseNegro
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 3:46pm

    We can only hope………..

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • Sweet Sister
      Posted on November 15, 2010 at 6:03pm

      HouseNegro, we can do more than hope-as Sarah Palin would say “Don’t retreat, just reload.“ I say we insist they do what ”We The People” say-We stay on these weasels and keep on reminding them who they work for. If they still don’t get the message, they lose their jobs. We will NOT back down, we will NOT retreat, we WILL reload!! GBA!

      Report Post » Sweet Sister  
  • john seven eighteen
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 3:45pm

    Be still my beating heart. Mr. McConnell, will shall hold you to your word! Now just get all you bretheren to follow your lead.

    Report Post » john seven eighteen  
    • snowleopard3200 {mix art}
      Posted on November 15, 2010 at 4:13pm

      Also there is a higher authority that shall hold each one accountable, come the day of the judgment, and with some He will not be very pleased. Only time will tell.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Jamestown
      Posted on November 16, 2010 at 11:39am

      It doesn’t work that way….Kentucky has to hold him to hs word…they never have and they never will…he made bacjroom deals all his political career…fifth grade educated kentuckians can’t see past the goodies they get…if this is all the better we listen we are in troule…McOnnel is the part of the problem…do not forgive a proven enemy…

      Report Post » Jamestown  
  • emertz8413
    Posted on November 15, 2010 at 3:44pm

    Good grief, who would have guessed he grew a brain! (or ears?)

    Report Post »  
    • Polwatcher
      Posted on November 15, 2010 at 4:04pm

      Wow, even McConnell is listening to the voters this time around.

      Report Post »  
    • snowleopard3200 {mix art}
      Posted on November 15, 2010 at 4:05pm

      We will see if the truth holds out for him indeed. Let his own actions now declare his future that he is held accountable for. One way or another we shall see.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • pajamash
      Posted on November 15, 2010 at 4:12pm

      It is a start but earmarks are small change compared to military spending and Social program spending are the true budget items that are the elephants on our backs.

      Report Post »  
    • Fletch
      Posted on November 15, 2010 at 4:14pm

      Not exactly my first choice to cover my back in any sort of brawl with the dems

      Report Post » Fletch  
    • BMartin1776
      Posted on November 15, 2010 at 4:22pm

      They are slowly getting the message but do not trust any of them. Remember they are ALL on probation the next 2 years and IMO many will fall to the “ways of the dark side”! Don’t be surprised if some go back to business as usual. Its on each of us to keep tabs on them since we can nolonger trust the state controlled media to do the investigating on elected leaders but we also must keep tabs on the fringe media and special interests.

      Remember the radicals have been working a long time to get to the power position they are in. They are not going to just give up with their sick and twisted dreams of total control “because they know whats best for us”.

      This is nothing but a game to the those in power, stop playing by their rules! Start playing your game through http://www.savingtherepublic.com

      Report Post » BMartin1776  
    • theVirginian
      Posted on November 15, 2010 at 5:05pm

      @Pajamash,
      Although you are correct in what you say, you also miss the point that earmarks are a tool of corruption. Many votes are bought that may have gone against a bill my allowing Congressmen (non-gender specific of course) to attach earmarks to that bill in order to garner the votes that would otherwise not have been there. It is true that earmarks are a drop in the bucket compared to the rest of the budget but eliminating them is striking at the heart of another problem – buying votes with tax payer money.

      Report Post » theVirginian  
    • SheriS
      Posted on November 15, 2010 at 5:06pm

      Seems as though the voters’ message at least got through to one man! The rest of them in Congress best wake up and realize the voters will be watching very closely every move these “hair brains” are doing. CSpan is going to be getting great ratings as that is the way to know what Congress is doing, even if Soros pays their bills. At least he is giving us something we can use instead of “idiots” who seem to have the goal of destroying America as he wants them to do! STAND UP FOLKS AND STAY AWAKE EVERY MINUTE! DON’T LET THEM STRAY FROM OUR IDEALS! We pay their bloated salaries! They are our employees!

      Report Post »  
    • Rev. WC
      Posted on November 15, 2010 at 5:16pm

      Mitch stuck his finger in his ars and then into the wind..a man of convictions..right..

      Report Post » Rev. WC  
    • HKS
      Posted on November 15, 2010 at 5:22pm

      Maybe he just had a bad battery in his hearing aid, or maybe somebody scared the hell out of him, whatever gets it done.

      Report Post » HKS  
    • 2
      Posted on November 15, 2010 at 5:37pm

      The Progressives are saying the Tea Party is over. Are you people done? Are you done carry about your Kids. Are you done carring about your Grandkids? I’m not. I don’t think the Tea Party has ending. This wasn’t the last chapter in the book. 9-12 to Nov. 2nd was the First chapter.

      WE HAVE TO KEEP IT UP. WE HAVE TO STAY IN TOUCH. WE NEED TO ORGANIZE FOR 2012. THE PROGRESSIVES ARE WAY AHEAD OF US ON THE NEXT ELECTION. THEY WILL CHEAT A LOT FOR OBAMA, BUT WE DON’T NEED TO CHEAT. WE JUST ALL NEED TO GET 1 MORE PERSON EACH TO VOTE AND TRY TO GET 1 PERSON TO CHANGE HOW THEY THINK OR LET THEM LEARN TO THINK ON THERE OWN.

      Sen. McConnell is a good Man. D.C. is so overwelming it’s easy to get caught up in all the lobbying so it makes sense the Mitch would finally Flip and will support the ban on Earmarks. Keep up the positive phone calls to all the ‘Good leaders’ that are willing to listen.

      P.S. GET THE ILLEGAL MEXICANS OUT & 12 THE BATTLE IS OVER.

      Report Post »  
    • Peters
      Posted on November 15, 2010 at 5:49pm

      Now this is “change” we can live with . . . might even be a little hope in there; time will tell.

      Report Post »  
    • Major Infidel
      Posted on November 15, 2010 at 5:54pm

      We’ll see.

      Report Post » Major Infidel  
    • JGP
      Posted on November 15, 2010 at 7:49pm

      We the people need to keep the pressure on these elected whores. We can‘t assume they’re doing the right thing anymore.

      Report Post »  
    • joseph Fawcett
      Posted on November 16, 2010 at 12:23am

      I agree with many of you, words are just noise unless they are backed up with action. lets wait and see, if actions do speak louder that words in the house and senate. Me I am not placing any bets nor holding my breath.

      http://www.josephfawcettart.com western artist

      Report Post » joseph Fawcett  
    • StonyBurk
      Posted on November 16, 2010 at 9:57am

      I just HOPE that this is a signal that the vote counted for something. and not the political dodge
      signalling compromise with the people suggesting other equally /or more important issues will be ignored. in Politics as usual.

      Report Post »  
    • Smoovious
      Posted on November 16, 2010 at 10:03am

      Earmarks by themselves aren’t necessarily a bad thing, so long as the earmark is relevant to the legislation they are attached to.

      Problem is, this is hardly the way they are done.

      Report Post » Smoovious  
    • Polwatcher
      Posted on November 16, 2010 at 11:12am

      Earmarks are currency for bribing legislators to vote for expenditures. No earmarks equals much less spending.

      Report Post »  
    • Jamestown
      Posted on November 16, 2010 at 11:22am

      This is a flipper…listen to his words….all he should say is “I do what my voters command me to”…its that simple…this is a corrupted man..

      Report Post » Jamestown  
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