Right Wing Nation

I posted about this a few days ago, but I missed perhaps the most interesting thing. Hat tip to Andrew Roth for this particular link (and headline):

Earmark vote could pit McCain against GOP caucus
By Manu Raju
Posted: 03/01/08 01:43 PM [ET]

Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) may return to Capitol Hill this month to support an amendment imposing a one-year ban on earmarks, a move that could set up a divisive clash within the GOP caucus.

McCain, the likely Republican presidential nominee, has long broken with most of Congress, including the Senate Republican leadership, in seeking an end to the practice of inserting line items in spending bills for parochial projects.

His return could set up a clash with many Senate Republicans who argue that it is the prerogative of Congress to set spending priorities, and earmarks are acceptable so long as the process is transparent. Earmarks take on added importance in an election year because lawmakers often point to the projects to tout their effectiveness in Congress.

McCain told conservative bloggers on a conference call this week that – if his schedule permits – he would take a break from the campaign trail and vote on an amendment by Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) to impose a one-year ban on earmarks.

“I absolutely would support such an amendment – and abolish [earmarks] altogether,” McCain said, according to the Red State blog. “As I’ve said, I will veto any earmark project that comes across my desk.”

There’s nothing surprising about McCain’s position here. He’s the original warrior against pork. But this will put many conservatives in a bad position. Many, if not most, of the conservatives who dislike McCain really, really, really, really hate pork and porkers. Suddenly, McCain is on their side against the Senate trough-slurpers.

Interesting. Maybe I’ll make some popcorn.

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