Warren’s Willingness To Play The Earmark Game Is Wrong
BOSTON - Today, U.S. Senator Scott Brown issued the following statement on the Washington Post investigation into lawmakers securing earmarks near their own properties:
“Today’s Washington Post study is another disturbing revelation about the insidious role that earmarks play in our political system, and a classic example of why Washington is so distrusted by the American people. That is why I have refused to sponsor earmarks, and have co-sponsored legislation to permanently ban this wasteful and corrupting practice. Not everyone feels that way, unfortunately. I was disappointed in Professor Warren’s comments that she would play ‘the game’ with respect to earmarks. This is what’s wrong with Washington and why we need more leaders who will stand against earmarking, not participate in it.”
When asked about earmarks in November, Professor Warren embraced the process, describing bringing home pork as “part of the job”:
WBZ’s JON KELLER: Can you ever envision yourself in the U.S. Senate rejecting an earmark or voting against a line item that would bring federal funds to Massachusetts?
ELIZABETH WARREN: I’m going to put it this way. I think there are a lot of people who have objections to earmarks and for good reason. I think they’re creating some real problems in our system, but so long as we live in an earmark system, it is part of the job of each delegation to protect its home state. That’s how the game works.
Click HERE to see video of the exchange.
