Visclosky at center of Washington pork storm

Northwest Indiana times ^ | Nov. 10 | Keith benman

[slapshot]

U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky finds himself at the center of the national firestorm over "pork" spending, those pet projects members of Congress fund with earmarks to major bills.

The Indiana Democrat has been identified as the sixth-biggest earmarker in the U.S. House, with $116.8 million set aside for special projects in fiscal 2008 budget bills, according to figures compiled by Taxpayers for Common Sense.

In a CNBC interview, one Washington watchdog group accused Visclosky of pioneering "green pork," which are earmarks masquerading as seed money for environmental breakthroughs.

In his first response to numerous reports in national media, Visclosky on Friday vigorously defended his use of earmarks, while acknowledging new disclosure rules have put a spotlight on their use.

"I feel it's my job, every morning I get up, to return to the taxpayers of Northwest Indiana as much of those monies as possible that they have paid in to their federal government," Visclosky said.

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Trouble is, only a few have seen the benefits of the Congressman's largesse. Wait until the newly engerized activist EPA starts enforcing unattainable standards on the steel mills and refinery in his district. Mittal will pull out, BP will split, and all of those "union brothers" who have mind numbingly supported him are looking for a job (or most likely more handouts). Who then benefits? Pete and his buddies

The companies mentioned getting money and kicking back are pretty much shell companies.

[politicalwit]

You’re in the 1st District? Where are you located? I’m on the Lake Co/Porter Co line.

[freekitty]

Scam, scam, scam and the people never benefit because the money these fine political creatures(Not)stops at their door and goes into their pockets.

[politicalwit]

BTW...Visclosky is scum.

[TortReformer]

He is a scumbag....

[InterceptPoint]

Visclosky and Barton have also received thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from Jupiter executives and their immediate family members. A company's support for his campaign has no bearing on which ones get earmarks and which do not, Visclosky said.

I'm sure.

Earmarks are simply legalized bribery. Dennis Hassert's huge expansion of their use when the Pubbies were running things is the main reason I have withdrawn my financial support of the Republican Party.

[politicalwit]

I’m lurking over in Portage right off County Line Road.

[slapshot]

tri town, in the center of the People’s Democratic Republic of Lake County

Lessee we got casino money and earmarks, where does it go? Paging US Attorney Van Hollen, please pick up the corruption line....

[TruthShallSetYouFree]

One Washington watchdog group accused Visclosky of pioneering "green pork"

Mmmmm! Green pork!

[the invisib1e hand]

Washington pork storm

It's raining...pigs? But do they have wings?

[the invisib1e hand]

Better not forget the umbrella. And the relish.

[JSDude1]

Can’t stand the guy, he was one of two (D)’s who succeeded in staying in office during the time when Indiana had a majority (R) (even Conservative) congressmen!!

Get rid of him, and Julia Carson!, and Baron Hill while you’re at it!!

[RC2]

There would be no need to return the money to his state if the feds didn’t take it in the first place. This is just another way to take it from the tax payer, send it to the feds and then redirect to the people they want to have it.

[Bubba_Leroy]

"I feel it's my job, every morning I get up, to return to the taxpayers of Northwest Indiana as much of those monies as possible that they have paid in to their federal government," Visclosky said.

How about simply voting to take less money from the taxpayers?

Nope. Then people would get to spend their own money instead of having the government spend it for them.