Another Palin story — earmarks
As you may know, John McCain has made opposition to earmarks one of the hallmarks of his career in the Senate. It’s a good cause — I also believe that earmarks are very wasteful. It’s hard to square his opposition with this:
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin employed a lobbying firm to secure almost $27 million in federal earmarks for a town of 6,700 residents while she was its mayor, according to an analysis by an independent government watchdog.
[....]
In her years as mayor of Wasilla, however, Palin oversaw the hiring of Robertson, Monagle & Eastaugh, an Anchorage-based law firm with close ties to Alaska’s most senior Republicans: Rep. Don Young and Sen. Ted Stevens, who was indicted in July for allegedly accepting illegal gifts. The Wasilla account was handled by the former chief of staff to Stevens, Steven W. Silver, who is a partner in the firm.
Twenty-seven million divided by four (they were spread out over four years) is about seven million a year. That’s for a town of about seven thousand at the time. By contrast, Monroe County with over hundred times the population got about 38 million in earmarks, according to the D&C.
In other words, Wasilla got about 18 times as much money in earmarks per capita as Monroe County.
That’s a lot.
And all procured by indicted Senator Ted Stevens’ buddies.
Related posts:
Earmarks? We’re even dignifying a discussion about earmarks? Earmarks don’t amount to squat. 0.5% of the Federal budget and we’re allowing Grampy McSame his fetish for earmarks? Jesus, I’m embarrassed sometimes. Its like when Dems cave in on PACS out of fear. Sometimes Political Action Committees represent unions or veterans. Could we stick to issues and ideology that matter?
I think it matters when McCain has made opposition to earmarks one of his main causes. I think it matters when they bill Palin as a “reformer.”
I think the scandal of the massive number of earmarks that Alaska gets in general is as serious issue.
I don’t focus on Randy Kuhl’s earmarks or on Slaughter’s or on Walsh’s. But these are nearly 20 times as large per capita.
I agree with you that they are not an important issue in general, though I do support getting rid of them.
If you don’t believe me, take a look at this piece by (unfortunately) influential columnist David Brooks — it’s all about how she’s a reformer and will fight earmarks (and Putin) with McCain.
Palin addressed the secessionist Alaskan Independence Party but the McCainstream media says she “puts America first”
In the southern tier she would be considered a successful mayor.
I’m sure she was considered a good mayor for getting that kind of cash for her little town. And there’s really nothing wrong with a mayor playing the game within the rules, which it sounds like she did.
This only shows that McCain didn’t check her out, or they were just telling a lie, when he tried to portray her as a fellow crusader for earmark reform.
yep - which ultimately goes to Judgment of John McCain.
I was thinking the same thing. But I don’t think anyone would call her a “reformer” and an “opponent of earmarks”.
Define “anyone”
The GOP is already calling her a reformer hence why this post was written - and they say she is experienced and all that.
Which, of course, is why it is critical for the Democrats to have a message that reinforces what continues to be learned about Palin as examples of lack of judgment exhibited by John McCain.
Seems John McCain is all about gambling here - hoping people confuse maverick with a gambler - he is all in on double zero at Roulette wheel.
Just be be clear - I’m not calling anyone one out here - It is just that it seems the GOP is being rather generous with their interpretation of the facts.
Define “anyone”
Good point. “Anyone credible” would have been more accurate.
As I think about this move, perhaps the GOP is using it to reinforce the lack of executive experience of Obama.
Statement: Palin has no experience
Answer: More than Obama
Grasping for straws Elmer? Now it is part of the GOP grand strategy?
Obama and/ Biden are ready to be President - now.
McCain - as judged by his governmental experience sure - his judgment and temperament? No - A McCain presidency is scary.
President Palin not so much
I hope you’re kidding. Because you can’t really believe that.
Not grasping - Obama has no executive experience - as HRC implied - do you want him answering the phone at 3 AM? Not me (or Hillary for that matter)
And who would you be happy with answering the phone at 3AM?
Elmer, I hope you’re not talking about a booty call here.
Sorry Elmer - grasping - part of the GOP grand scheme.
Please
A strong independent self made woman who balances her family and career - I thought that was what you guys were all about
A strong independent self made woman who balances her family and career - I thought that was what you guys were all about
Why do you like her so much then? Keep ‘em barefoot and pregnant — I though that was what you guys were all about.
[...] came out about Ms Palin. We had a mini Palin round up, More Palin, Palin on earmarks (she was for them before she was against them), and how did this post generate all these comments? Her speech at the convention got her base all [...]