FLAKE EARMARKS OPPONENT FOR CRITICISM

posted by Michael Chihak

Among U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake's notable stances in Congress is that against earmarks and pork barrel spending. That is, special funding inserted into bills to get the vote of the member of Congress whose state or district will benefit.

That's why Flake was quick to criticize Will Cardon this week for Cardon's declamation that while he opposes such spending, Arizona should get its fair share of federal revenues back.

The Arizona Capitol Times spells out the argument in a story today. (Subscription may be needed to view Capitol Times' stories)

The Capitol Times quotes Cardon as saying: “I oppose earmarks. I oppose going through the back door. But I’m a believer in transparency and up-and-down votes for projects in the Senate that will benefit Arizona and create jobs. I think what we need now is to create jobs in Arizona. And we need someone in Washington who knows how to do that.”

And from the Capitol Times, Flake's rejoinder, in a fund-raising appeal e-mail: “Wow! We’re more than $14 trillion in debt, we’re running an annual deficit of more than $1 trillion, we’ve just had our credit rating downgraded for the first time in our history, and somebody still wants to return to the days of pork barrel spending? As a congressman, I’ve been a fiscal hawk.”